Theatre of Blood at the National Theatre

Theatre of Blood by Lee Simpson and Phelim McDermott was based on the 1973 movie starring Vincent Price and Diana Rigg.  A collaboration between the National Theatre and Improbable, it tells the story of seven self-regarding theatre critics who assemble at a disused theatre in response to a mysterious invitation. Too late they discover its gruesome purpose as Edward Lionheart, an actor frenzied by a lifetime of sneering reviews, hacks his revengeful way through the bloody works of Shakespeare, assisted by a gang of murderous tramps.

Illusionist Paul Kieve stages the murders in quite extraordinary fashion. They are as utterly convincing as they are hilariously horrific, with blood flying and bodies crushed and set on fire… “Theatre of Blood” is a hugely entertaining night at the Nationa Theatre.
Ray Bennett, Hollywood reporter, 26 July 2005