Seeing this show comes with splatter warnings — and it truly is a bloodbath. Born from the cult ‘80s film franchise Evil Dead, the chainsaw-wielding chaos is wild, funny and gloriously excessive. Evil Dead The Musical is a gory spoof packed with joyous overacting and heightened theatrics.

From the producers of the hilarious The Play That Goes Wrong, this production, directed by Daniel Stoddart, embraces absurdity, gleefully manic energy and full-throttle carnage.

Escaping for Spring Break, five college students head to an abandoned cabin in the woods – what could possibly go wrong? Naturally, they accidentally unleash an evil force that transforms them into demons.

Starring Harley Dasey (Ash), Grace Alston (Annie and Shelly), Emma Wilby (Cheryl), Jake Ameduri (Scott), Elaina Bianchi (Linda), Oliver Clisdell (Ed) and Harrison Riley (Jake), the cast throws themselves fully into the show’s exaggerated tone. Among the highlights the dancing duet between Ash and Annie stands out, their movements perfectly in sync as they portray a young couple in love. In contrast, Linda and Scott lean into their deliberately vapid, one-dimensional relationship, driven entirely by physical desires. Wilby’s Cheryl is a demonic scene stealer with her amusing puns. Ameduri plays Scott as a slow-drawling high-school jock, reminiscent of Bill & Ted-style comic timing, provoking consistent laughter. Riley, as local redneck Jake, lands the character’s dad jokes with confidence. Though Ed might be considered a bit-part demon, Clisdell’s commanding vocals ensure he doesn’t fade into the background.

A major highlight is the riotous rock score, with lyrics by George Reinblatt and Christopher Bond, delivering laugh after laugh, especially the show-stopping “What the F*@k Was That?”. The high-energy songs cleverly parody the questions horror film audiences are always asking.

Set design by Eric Luchen leans fully into the comedy, featuring a makeshift car made out of cardboard and cartoon-style backdrops. Much of the action takes place inside the cabin, an impressively detailed set complete with hidden trapdoors and moving fixtures that shake, revolve and shift, transforming the house into a possessed character of its own. Jason Bovaird’s lighting design spotlights key character moments and becomes part of the comedy itself, drawing laughter at precisely the right moments. Complementing the show’s grotesque world, Renata Beslik’s costumes dress the characters according to their typecasted horror movie archetypes – the cheerleader, the ditzy blond sex symbol and the dorky younger sister.

Those seeking a fully immersive experience can select Splatter Zone seating, which includes an exclusive souvenir poncho. Be warned: patrons should expect to leave thoroughly splattered.

Evil Dead The Musical prioritises fun and is like attending a wild unhinged party. It’s messy, ridiculous, thrilling and gross in the best possible way.

4 stars

Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)

Note: Evil Dead The Musical contains physical violence, coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, self-harm, horror themes, haze smoke, loud or sudden noises, strobe lighting and use of prop weapons. Recommended for ages 16+

Presented by Stoddart Entertainment Group, Evil Dead The Musical runs at Reginald Theatre at the Seymour Centre until 21 March 2026, before continuing its season at the Chapel Off Chapel in Melbourne 26 March to 12 April 2026.  For tickets visit: Evil Dead Musical

Keen to keep the party going? How about a nightcap?

De luliis, 2021 LDR Vineyard Shiraz | Nightcap