Video: Joshua Dickinson premieres his new Opening Night of the Living Dead zombie movie at Sudbury’s Quay Theatre

The Living Dead filmed at The Quay Theatre Sudbury (Image: Archant)

The film, Opening Night of the Living Dead, has been written and produced by local actor Joshua Dickinson.

Not only does it feature budding Suffolk actors with gruesome makeovers as zombie extras, but it was also filmed in Sudbury’s Quay Theatre.

Joshua, 25, said volunteers and staff at the Quay had been very accommodating during the nine days of shooting last summer.

He said: “They were fantastic and gave us free run of the theatre. We shot scenes in the auditorium, the foyer and in the dressing rooms, which got so hot that the camera overheated at one point. But it was wonderful to be able to shoot the film in my home town and I am really pleased with the results.”

The Living Dead filmed at The Quay Theatre Sudbury (Image: Archant)

The plot centres on the goings-on backstage during an amateur dramatics production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The show doesn’t go according to plan when the dead start attacking the living and cause more problems than a few fluffed lines.

Former Sudbury Upper School student Joshua – an actor who most recently appeared in the BBC drama Holby City – said the film had taken about seven months to edit and produce. As well as the premiere on August 17, the movie is also scheduled to appear at the Ipswich Film Theatre in October to coincide with Halloween, and at Colchester Film Festival.

Josh added: “It was a bit of a voyage into the unknown and the whole experience has made me watch films in a completely new way. I have shown the film to directors I have worked with and they all seem very positive about it. I am hoping to get it shown at some of the international film festivals and see how far I can go with it.”

Call the Quay on 01787 374745 for tickets.