Zombie classic Night of The Living Dead recreated in new Theatr Clwyd production

In 1968, Night of the Living Dead started out as a low-budget independent horror movie telling the story of seven strangers taking refuge from flesh-eating ghouls in an isolated farmhouse.

Fifty years on, seven performers aim to recreate on stage, in real time, one of the first zombie movies ever made, shot-for-shot, undertaking the seemingly impossible.

With 1,076 edits in 95 minutes, it’s a heroic struggle. Success will require wit, skill and ingenuity and is by no means guaranteed.

George A. Romero’s original was an apocalyptic vision of paranoia, the breakdown of community and the end of the American dream.

In their new stage production, masters of digital theatre, imitating the dog, create a love-song to the original 1960s film, a remaking and remixing which attempts to understand the past in order not to have to repeat it. 

Their version is in turns humorous, terrifying, thrilling, thought-provoking and joyous.

Above all, in the retelling it becomes a searing parable for our own complex times.

Andrew Quick, Co-Director and Artistic Director of imitating the dog said: “Looking at the state of the world today it seems so appropriate that we are going back to this seminal story, the original zombie movie. 

Rehearsals have been great fun so far and it’s amazing how scary and relevant Romero’s 60s vision still seems.”

imitating the dog, one of the UK’s most original and innovative theatre companies, they have joined forces with Leeds Playhouse to recreate a unique shot-for-shot stage recreation of the classic zombie movie.

Directed by imitating the dog’s co-artistic directors Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks, Night of The Living Dead will be performed at Theatr Clwyd on Fri 27 and Sat 29 February. 

Price: from £10
(The earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket)

Times: 7.30pm | 2.30pm

Venue: Anthony Hopkins Theatre

Recommended Age: 15+ (Contains scenes that some viewers might find distressing)