It is difficult enough to pastiche the works of William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe in a way that is both witty and smart, but with Zomblet Dan Bray does both, while simultaneously creating a brand new play that functions both in reference to Hamlet and Dr. Faustus, and also as a stand-alone piece in its own right.
The story begins in an ominous Denmark where a young Hamlet (Nick Cox) is mourning the sudden death of his father. At the same time it becomes apparent that Elsinore Castle is experiencing an outbreak of zombies, as Bernardo (Colleen MacIsaac), Francisco (Jessica Oliver) and Marcellus (Katerina Bakolias) have seen a strange likeness of the deceased King, but it is quickly revealed that he is not a benign apparition, but rather an undead creature hungry for their brains. Hamlet is angry that his mother, Gertrude (Lara Lewis) has so swiftly married his father’s brother, Claudius (Michael Kamras), but initially he has no reason to suspect that his father’s death was anything beyond an unfortunate incident. Hamlet does notice, however, that the people surrounding him are behaving strangely, and with the help of his friends Ophelia (Audrey Eastwood) and Horatio (Colleen MacIsaac) they eventually embark on an adventure to slay the zombies. Hamlet and Horatio decide to enlist the help of a Doctor they know, Faustus (Katerina Bakolias) who arrives with the mischievous and mysterious Mephistopheles (Lara Lewis), who seems invigorated by the diabolical chaos at Elsinore. Together Hamlet, Ophelia and Horatio must find the source of the replenishing zombies, and they end up uncovering a treasonous murder that hits close to Hamlet’s home and heart. Amazingly, all the loose ends tie up together beautifully and the ending is both satisfying and clever.
Dan Bray not only does a great job of weaving Hamlet and Dr. Faustus together, and mixing in elements from his own imagination, but he does so in keeping with the Elizabethan-style language we associate with these types of plays, but with an ease of comprehension that makes the story accessible to a contemporary audience. Bray also uses this opportunity to give more agency to Ophelia and Gertrude, who both get to be brave and intelligent active participants in the adventure. Zomblet is very much in the style of classic Halloween films like Young Frankenstein, and Bray does a great job in directing the piece with maximum silliness, while also drawing certain elements from the horror genre. I especially liked the gruesome way the zombies were killed to keep them from rising up again. There is a dance interlude after the Intermission that is a genuine show-stopper. Nick Cox’s lighting and sound design are a perfect complement to the mystical and comedic tone of the play. Audrey Eastwood’s set design alludes very clearly to Hamlet, but also allows for the more magical and farcical elements that sets Zomblet apart.
All the performances in Zomblet are strong. Perhaps because Hamlet isn’t usually very funny, I found the comedic actors shone especially bright, Madeleine Tench as the merry Gravedigger and hapless Guildenstern and Jessica Oliver as the aggravated Francisco and foolish Rosencrantz embody all the goofy, exuberant fun that is inherent in this kind of horror/comedy mashup. Similarly, Lara Lewis’ Mephistopheles is pure extravagance, which makes the fact that no one recognizes the Devil’s true intentions hilariously absurd. Colleen MacIsaac’s Horatio is the much put-upon Vaudevillian “straight-character,” so MacIsaac doesn’t always get to exude the same overt playfulness as the other actors, but her comedic chops shine in their nuance regardless. Melanie Patten also does a great job as Polonius, Ophelia’s silly father, who always seems to be barking up the wrong tree, figuratively speaking. All the actors have terrific physicality as the zombies and Noella Murphy’s costume design really brings them to vivid life.
If you like your Halloween horror served with a heavy side of hilarity, and especially if you are a fan of Shakespeare and/or Marlowe being served up fresh and irreverent, I absolutely recommend Zomblet. It is playful, joyous, smart and perfectly timed to coincide with Halloween. .
Zomblet is co-produced by The Villains Theatre and Terra Novella Theatre and plays at the Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen Street) until October 27, 2019.
Advance Tickets: $25 General/$15 Underwaged*
Door Tickets: $30 General /$20 Underwaged*
Ask us about special PWYC rates – limited numbers available in advance of each performance! Email hello@villainstheatre.com to reserve.
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