Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Ambassadors Theatre
Cast: Melissa James, Patrick Heusinger, Pippa Winslow and Jackie Morrison
Inspired by the iconic, terrifying film series, Paranormal Activity is a new story live on stage. James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren't haunted, people are...
Only the fearless need book. Written by Levi Holloway and directed by Felix Barrett (visionary Artistic Director of Punchdrunk and international hit: Sleep No More). Based on the Paranormal Activity films, first written and directed by Oren Peli and brought to screen by Blumhouse and Solana Films. Produced in association with Paramount Pictures.
If you're a horror fan, you'll be more than familiar with the Paranormal Activity franchise that started back in 2007. After a total of seven films, despite some questionable storylines, the movies were a rip-roaring success in the horror world.
Paranormal Activity may be inspired by the franchise, but it takes on an entirely new story that leaves audiences gripped to the edge of their seats.
The premise remains the same, a family seemingly haunted by a benevolent spirit. The story follows Lou and Jimmy, a young married couple who have relocated from Chicago to London after a traumatic turn of events for Lou's mental health. They hope a new start will change Lou's perspective and they'll be able to settle down and start a family. However, Lou's convinced that whatever was plaguing her in Chicago has followed her to London...
The set design from Fly Davis is transformative as the curtain rises and as an audience member, you're instantly a part of the Singer household. It's truly a fantastic two-level set that gives you a front row seat to the "paranormal activity" occurring.
With anything that's pitched as horror, I'm always apprehensive about how well it will translate on stage. I maintain that true fear is the hardest emotion to make an audience member feel; however, Paranormal Activity does just that. It's not just loud noises and darkness (albeit, that is part of it), there is wizardry that is still unfathomable to me how it's achievable. Of course, the secrets will be kept - but it does have to be seen to be believed!
While the writing from Levi Holloway and the illusions from Chris Fisher were incredible, it would be difficult to love the show as much as I did without the performances from both Melissa James (Lou) and Patrick Heusinger (Jimmy). Their chemistry was palpable at times and believable throughout; this ensured the twists were even more shocking....and believe me, the production is packed with them. And as an avid horror fanatic, I'd expected it to be predictable...predictable, it was not.
Another important aspect is audience reaction, and our performance was fuelled by nervous laughter, audible gasps, and even some screams. This only adds to the tension that builds slowly throughout and is a testament to how brilliant the show is.
During a time of year that's supposed to be filled with joy and happiness, it was a welcome night off to let loose and let your imagination run wild. You'll overthink every flickering light, every looming shadow and you might just have to sleep with the light on after this one! Utterly brilliant, unexpectedly funny at times, and for once...actually scary. A return visit is likely in my future with this one. The cast, the writing, the set...absolute perfection and one of the best plays I've seen in 2025. One thing's for certain, I'm a very happy horror fan.
You can book tickets to Paranormal Activity, here.
**photo credit: Johan Persson**
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