‘Re-animator’ tells the story of Herbert West, an innovative and obsessive researcher who upon returning from abroad finds himself placed in the tutelage
of those eager to rob him of his research: a formula destined to conquer death itself!
Make no mistake, this musical is not trying to be high art. It doesn’t try to teach about the human condition nor does it ask us to expect any character growth. It eschews all pretension to create a masterpiece reminiscent of the little shop of horrors.
The music of the play is excellent. The score twists between the macabre and the farcical never dwelling in either too long and giving each of the characters opportunity to engage in both. As this musical is predominantly about the mad doctors it should not be a great surprise that they slightly overshadow the other characters. Dr Hill oozes sinister sleaze in so wicked a fashion that it is almost uncomfortable to watch, while West is the epitome of wild eyed fanaticism, pleading to be understood one minute but finding every human interaction a distraction.
‘Re-animator: The Musical’ never shies away from its origin as an 80’s B movie. It follows the movie’s plot with remarkable fidelity and it is not afraid to spread around the gore that helped make the movie into a cult classic. This is a must for fans of camp horror but be warned: those in the front row are going to get splashed!
5/5 
Benn Beaton
