Preview: The Elvis Dead, Wardrobe Theatre

After a first Bristol visit (to the Cube) back in December, comedian Rob Kemp brings his acclaimed Elvis/horror-movie mash-up back to town on Friday, March 30. The Elvis Dead looks in at the Wardrobe Theatre as part of Chuckle Busters’ superb comedy programme at the theatre.

“Elvis Aaron Presley is the quintessential rock star icon, with influence stretching across generations.

“Bruce Campbell is the quintessential B-movie horror icon, appearing with enough regularity to consider it habit, as Ash Williams in the Evil Dead movies (and TV show). Bruce also once appeared as Elvis in the ‘soul-stealing mummy in a nursing home’ movie, Bubba Ho-Tep.

“Rob Kemp loves all of these things, and (very occasionally) has been told that he bears a passing resemblance to Bruce Campbell.

“Every now and then, an idea strikes that seems extremely absurd, and yet at the same time bizarrely fitting. With this being the case, the only logical thing to do is don a jumpsuit (blue and brown, naturally) and sing your way through as much of the plot of The Evil Dead 2 as you can in an hour.”

The show comes trailing a host of awards in its wake, including Best Show / Best Musical –  Leicester Comedy Festival 2017; Best Newcomer – LastMinute.com Edinburgh Fringe 2017; and Best Performer, Comedian’s Choice Award 2017.

Here’s Rob to tell us more.

Do you need to be an Elvis or an Evil Dead devotee to get the most out of this show?
I have been assured that there is no requirement for you to know or even like either thing to enjoy the show, although it might well help you enjoy it more. One of the judges for Leicester Comedy Festival hated both horror movies and Elvis, yet he sang the praises of the show. Maybe horror movies aren’t rock’n’roll enough,  or maybe Elvis isn’t demonic enough… Venn Diagram intersections can be weird.

Is it The Evil Dead 2 (the parody sequel), more than The Evil Dead, that you’re hommaging? Why so?
I take exception to Evil Dead 2 being described as parody! Tongue-in-cheek, perhaps. It is chaotic and ridiculous, and whilst it does recap the first film (as a result of a rights issue), it isn’t really imitating anything (except maybe a Looney Tunes cartoon). I did initially look at The Evil Dead, but found the sequel to have more recognisable moments, and was an easier fit for the songs.

From one review: “He has a good voice but this isn’t an imitation of Elvis. Kemp somehow becomes Elvis”. Do you? And how do you channel Elvis so well?
It isn’t for me to say whether I become Elvis, I will leave that to audiences and reviewers. I can tell you that it feels good, that I step out of myself and I have a lot more confidence. That’s what comes from playing a rock star. Maybe we all should! (not a diva-ish one though… one of the cool ones)
The how comes from a childhood with Elvis and Johnny Cash on the radio, and a karaoke enthusiast dad.

Which part of the show is the more demanding for you to play – Elvis, or Ash Williams?
Ash Williams is probably slightly tougher physically, though all the singing is the biggest demand in the show. Honestly, the hour of The Elvis Dead is a holiday from the most demanding character I have to play (ooh, existential).

Rob Kemp: The Elvis Dead Fri, March 30, Wardrobe Theatre, 9.45pm. For more info, visit thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/rob-kemp-elvis-dead
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