Falling In Love With Mr Dellamort musical review: A goth-rock smasher
A surfeit of ambition catapults this spooky musical in the big leagues

Meet Mr Dellamort. Like his cinematic cousin in Meet Joe Black, his name barely disguises a personification of Death. The saturnine Mr Dellamort (Robert Tripolino) is the Grim Reaper himself in this new musical from MTTM Theatrics, but in an unexpectedly romantic narrative, maybe he’s not so grim; three strangers get letters inviting them to Dellamort’s secluded seaside manor on New Year’s Eve, but why?
Drugged-up Mina, self-absorbed diva Rhonda, and leather-shorts-clad Barry all have their own designs on the host, unable to imagine his real purpose for them. The twist comes when they’re unexpectedly joined by demure normie Sue to whom Dellamort can’t help taking a shine to. With a spooky theremin soundtrack, director Abigail Zealey Bess’ lively ensemble production benefits from some energetic playing and strident, goth-rock showtunes. This feels like an entire Broadway show crammed into 50 minutes, but such brisk ambition makes for a highly entertaining romp.
Falling In Love With Mr Dellamort, C aquila, until 24 August, 7pm; main picture: Jane Hobson.