Harley Dasey is facing demons and songs in Evil Dead the Musical | Melbourne International Comedy Festival |Chapel Off Chapel

Blood, chainsaws, and demonic mayhem have never sounded so infectious. Evil Dead: The Musical turns the cult horror franchise into a high-energy, over-the-top stage spectacle. In this whirlwind of gore, comedy, and camp, we spoke with Harley Dasey as he prepares to step into the legendary shoes of Ash, bringing the chainsaw-wielding hero to life for a new generation of terrified - and thoroughly entertained - audiences.

While initially not fan of the Evil Dead franchise, it didn't take long for Dasey to succumb to the allure of all that is ancient and evil. "I didn’t even know what The Evil Dead was besides the title, but I am absolutely hooked now," he tells me. "I don’t have a particular moment where I had an epiphany that this was the show for me, but I do remember reading the script, listening to the music, watching clips from the movies and other productions on YouTube and thinking 'this is ridiculous… I love it'. The musical is certainly wild, and that is my favourite kind of show. Having now watched the films and immersed myself deeper in the world of the Evil Dead, I couldn't be more excited."

Dasey has the daunting task of taking on the role of Ash, the reluctant, wisecracking hero who evolves from a hapless, frightened survivor into a chainsawing, demon-fighting badass. It's an iconic character archetype that still leaves audiences rooting for 45 years since the film's release. "Most modern horrors I’ve seen end with subtlety and a lot of the time it doesn’t end up well for the protagonist. This isn’t bad, however, there’s something cathartic about watching Ash win the day by shooting and chainsawing his way out of danger," Dasey suggests.

"The Evil Dead is (mostly) horror, but the high-camp violence is very entertaining, and Ash’s journey throughout the films is equally as satisfying. It’s also Bruce Campbell's performance that defines a large part of the character's iconography. His shifts between earnestness, fear, and full bad-assery make him dynamic and human. He’s not a trained, polished, macho hero out the gate. He’s forced into it by his circumstances; just a normal guy facing unspeakable horrors. Even his signature shotgun and chainsaw are makeshift weapons that happen to be in the cabin. He represents the average person. Ash could technically be anyone, and that’s why it’s easy for audiences to root for him so many years after the films have been released."

The film is famously physical, with chainsaws, violence, and demons everywhere, so while the cast has been rehearsing intensely to bring the brutality and gore of The Evil Dead to the stage, it has also been a wholly enjoyable experience for Dasey. "Rehearsals have been nothing but joyful. The cast and creative team are extremely dedicated, great to work with, and incredibly talented. It makes the more physically intensive sequences not feel like work,'' he explains. "Especially after our recent blood day, the action has come to be the most fun I’ve had in a rehearsal room, potentially ever. You don’t think going through four years of drama school that all your training will come into play while doing a horror-comedy musical, but this feels like a culmination of everything I’ve done up to this point."

rehearsal image from "Evil Dead the Musical"

And speaking of blood, Evil Dead the Musical has audiences buzzing over the chance to snag “splatter zone” seats, where those in the first few rows are almost guaranteed to leave looking like they just stepped off the set of Carrie. "The inclusion of the splatter zone is one of the main draws, even when there’s so much else to love. The Evil Dead is known for its cartoonish but horrifying gore and the musical plays its part well. I believe there are ponchos provided, but personally I’d have a lot more of a thrill wearing some older clothes and soaking it up… quite literally," Dasey laughs.

"There is plenty of blood, including in moments you may not expect. The team has worked hard in finessing the action and finding the right timing for it to be unleashed on audience and actors alike. Of course this takes place entirely in our gorgeous custom-built cabin set. It’s the perfect backdrop for the action and shenanigans that occur, but also provides the classic horror atmosphere when the story calls for suspense and tension."

For anyone on the fence about venturing out with the Necronomicon and the evil it brings, perhaps these wise words from Dasey will be enough to persuade them to open the book of the dead. "Evil Dead the Musical adheres to and pokes traditional horror cliches and the source material. Its high-camp nature makes it super accessible for those who are less familiar with the franchise, but it keeps a lot of the original story with many easter eggs for the die-hard fans," he says. "It’s funny, un-serious, and a little bit crude, not to mention the catchy score and amazing ensemble. You'd be hard pressed to not have a hell of a good time."

MICF QUICKFIRE FIVE

1. The most memorable audience reaction I've ever received is when there was a dog in the audience and it kissed me.
2. A totally absurd award I’d win if it existed is most eyebrow raises in one act.
3. The worst thing I have ever eaten is sea urchin sushi.
4. One backstage ritual that makes me feel ready to get on stage is a crisp high five from the entire cast and crew.
5. If I could swap places with another performer for a day, it would be Hadley Fraser because damn that voice.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran
Season: 26 March - 12 April | Wed - Sat 7.30pm, Tues & Sun 6:30pm, 
Duration: 120 minutes
Tickets: $79 - $89 Full | $69 - $79 Tightarse Tuesday and Preview
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival