What would you do if you and your bestie were bunked down in a bowling alley during a zombie apocalypse in Brisbane and the only form of communication with the outside world was TikTok?
Eat Slay Zombie, written by Alinta McGrady, is a horror/comedy about colonisation, friendship, and state occupation… with zombies. It follows long time best friends, Sheree and Tash as they navigate their way through the zombie takeover and their bad internet connection, wondering if they’re the only ones left.
When a new survivor shows up, the questions of trust, safety, friendship and dropping everything to find potential camaraderie or being duped change the course of the women’s survival tactics.
New work in Brisbane is always an exciting feat and the fact that Eat Slay Zombie has been given another season at La Boite is doubly so. While, for this millennial, there could have been less TikTok content itself and higher stakes in a world where IP and plagiarism doesn’t really apply in the TikTok universe, this play does give the audience a lot to think about; not only about survival but the importance of connection, love, trust, honesty and friendship.
Shahnee Hunter plays the passionate and courageous Sheree, next to Juliette Coates’ anxious but trying to shake it off Tash. Jalen Sutcliffe as B brings such a warm and endearing energy to the vibe with B taking the @blkbunkerbtches “basic” content and making it his own.
The cast’s level of endurance is fantastic, particularly Hunter and Coates, who are onstage for the majority of the one act, high energy show.
TikTok really is the fourth character in this show. While it’s the only form of communication in the apocalyptic world, it also gives Sheree and Tash a purpose throughout and a way to avoid getting too deep about their inevitable end. The @blakbunkerbtches post survival videos in the hope to help and connect with others but they’ve only got one active follower and 200 views per video, which becomes part of the tension between the friends… that and unrequited love, but I digress. They stumble on B’s profile, a creator taking the women’s content and making it his own; gaining 400k+ views per video, sponsorships and ample active followers. The TikTok algorithm and For You Page may be the real villain here. In the real world, there’s no reason really why one video goes viral over another, “basic” content or not, and this aspect of the storyline puts the comedy in horror/comedy.
Alinta McGrady and Lisa Fa’alafi’s direction is simple and engaging, with a set design by Rozina Suliman that entirely supports their storytelling. Lighting design by Teegan Kranenburg enhanced the comedic moments and drew the audience in for the heart hitting ones.
Nevin Howell’s AV Design gave us everything from TikTok videos to gaming animation to locations straight out of a comic book. It was the perfect addition to this show. Sound design by Will Hughes was incredibly effective, taking us from dramatic to comedic, realism to surreal with ease! And while it may be what we strive for in theatre, no element outshines the other and seems to be working nice and cohesively towards a shared vision. As always, a shout out to the stage management team, Mikayla Hosking and Tia-Hanee Cleary for a smooth and seamless show!
So after all this, why should you go and see it? The audience on opening night were whooping and hollering for all the exaggerated aspects of our everyday life in familiar locations but drastic circumstances, the real talk between friends and the women putting the man in his place. Plus, how often do we get to see two women in the role of leading action heroes!? And if you love that kind of energy and engagement in the theatre, then this is absolutely the show for you!
La Boite Theatre Company, under Courtney Stewart’s Artistic Direction, celebrates Queensland talent, new work and Queensland stories and that should be more than applauded, it should be supported. This 90min show is a great night out at the theatre and is playing at La Boite Theatre until May 30!
WHAT: Eat Slay Zombie
WHEN: Until May 30, 2026.
WHERE: Roundhouse Theatre, Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove.
TICKETS: Grab your tickets to Eat Slay Zombie here.
