BE warned: zombies will be on the loose this May – and they’re accompanied by disco music.

Pop culture, apocalypse mayhem and the decade fashion forgot come together in Maul of the Dead, a dark horror comedy presented by Phoenix Theatre and Dark Psychic Productions.

Written by Mitch Brian and directed by Jayde Clark and Shaun Griffin, the show is set in the late 1970s and embraces a treasure trove of horror film clichés as ravenous hordes descend upon an abandoned shopping mall.

Creative designer Ryan S. McNally said the script’s blend of melodrama and black comedy were the inspiration behind staging Maul of the Dead.

“You love, and love-to-hate, some of the characters, making it a real challenge for the actors,” he said.

“Dark Psychic Productions also likes to do large shows and we were excited by the idea of coordinating over 30 cast and crew.

“Maul of the Dead has lots of references to old-school zombie films but, as with any good horror show, the zombie threat isn’t really what people need to watch out for – it’s the other survivors in the shopping mall,” he said.

“It’s a great mix of horror and satire, blending the music styles of disco and early punk.” 

Involved in theatre since high school, McNally has performed with Phoenix Theatre, Shine Studios and Herding Cats Productions in a variety of shows and started Dark Psychic Productions last year to deliver interactive live theatre including The Mocky Horror Monsters’ Ball!

He also performs as a role-player for government departments, training staff, and as part of the children’s show Josephine and Goggles.

With Maul of the Dead, McNally believes the main challenge is the physical performances the zombie cast has to deliver.

“Hopefully, by the end of the show, everyone will be amped up but drained at the same time because we want to see the cast give their absolute all,” he said.

Maul of the Dead plays at 8pm, May 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 with a 2pm matinee also on May 18.

Tickets are $20 adults, $18 concession plus transaction fees – book through TAZTix on 9255 3336 or www.TAZTix.com.au.

Please note: Maul of the Dead contains supernatural themes, violence and gore.

Phoenix Theatre is located on the corner of Rockingham Road and Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.

For more details, go to www.facebook.com/DarkPsychicProductions or www.facebook.com/phoenixtheatre.inctm.