WHAT a curious title ... but it accurately sums up this clever, challenging and complex concept.

Imitiating the Dog have fleshed out the 1969 low-budget movie Night of the Living Dead which was directed by trail-blazing film maker George Romero.

'Remix' is the key word here.

Zombies, or 'ghouls' as George described them, became living (or un dead) metaphors for a decaying US society struggling with civil unrest, Vietnam and political assassinations.

The 'ghouls' have lost their way stumbling in the dark.

Seven people are trapped in a farmhouse as they ward off their zombie attackers in a macabre and disturbing rocky horror show.

The word 'brave' comes to mind when you see what Imitating the Dog inovators have done so well again by integrating live performances with digital technology.

The original black and white film is shown on one of two screens with no sound.

The other screen - with live sound - provides a scene-by-scene re-telling of the film by the seven-strong ensemble using live cameras.

They bring the movie to life, so to speak.

There is also an intermission in this 95 minute experience.

Internationally-acclaimed Imitating the Dog have previously adapted novels.

So this is breaking new ground.

They were last at the Playhouse with an innovative multi-media version of Heart of Darkness.

'Surprise' is a word you can always associate with the creative team.

There's also some neat comic touches in tnis touring co-production with Leeds Playhouse.

Co-artistic directors Andrew Quick, Peter Brooks and Simon Wainwright have now ventured further with a bucket load of bravado.

They have made no changes to plot or characters.

Indeed, they are true to their words and aims of breathing new life into this horror film classic.

The use of back projections of late '60s news clips deliver offer haunting historic memories.

Could we be facing a repeat?

You leave the theatre not afraid of zombies or ghouls but what coud happen in the world for real.

The strains of Don McLean's American Pie ringing in your ears.

An extraordinary eye opener.

Four stars.

The production is on until Saturday.

Tickets and more details from 0151 709 4776 or www.everymanplayhouse.com