Ingenious stage effects, terrifying twists and one unforgettable moment make this horror thriller a scream from start to finish.
There’s a moment in the first half of the Paranormal Activity stage play – which is playing in London concurrent with a UK and Ireland tour – that is so spine-tinglingly confounding it’s all anyone can talk about in the interval. Reviewers and theatregoers are asked to keep schtum about the show’s many twists and turns, so I won’t divulge any details.
But the moment in question is a coup de théâtre that will have you scratching your head, wondering “How on earth did they do that?” Or at least it will when you finally stop screaming. It’s a special effect that is so chill-inducing I swear you can feel the temperature drop in the auditorium.
Written by Levi Holloway, the play has plenty more tricks up its sleeve – not least the fact that it’s a new story. Rather than a theatrical recreation of the terrifying 2009 original film or any of its many sequels, it’s a variation on the franchise’s theme of supernatural possession, revolving around a newlywed couple who relocate from Chicago to London seeking a fresh start for reasons that are slowly revealed.
The trouble is, something or someone has followed them in a scenario that ponders the chilling idea that it’s maybe not houses that are haunted but the people inside them. Things go bump in the night, TVs turn themselves on, lights flicker or go out entirely, with Anna Watson’s lighting design, Gareth Fry’s sound effects and Chris Fisher’s illusions ratcheting up the fear and suspense.
Fly Davis’s set design is a marvel too – a split-level suburban home in which new inhabitants James (Ty Fanning in London, James Bye on tour) and Lou (Ami Okumura Jones and on tour Hannah Sinclair Robinson) are subjected to all sorts of unsettling phenomena.
There’s some much-needed comedy relief in Holloway’s writing, as James initially jovially joshes about what’s going on. And the scare story is an ingenious one, with a final twist you definitely won’t see coming and artful stagecraft – complete with blackouts and rumbling sound effects – that keeps you on the edge of your seats.
Paranormal Activity the play delivers that delicious collective experience of people yelping in fright, then laughing about getting so worked up. It’s right up there with The Woman In Black and Ghost Stories as a truly terrifying night out at the theatre and one for which you’ll need a stiff drink afterwards.
Paranormal Activity is at the Ambassadors Theatre, London, and tours the UK and Ireland from 7 September.
Saga Magazine has teamed up with London Theatre Direct to offer you tickets at the best prices and with savings of up to 60%.
Exclusively for Saga Magazine subscribers – Save up to £3300 for a limited time.
Join us for the voyage of a lifetime aboard Spirit of Adventure as she embarks on an all-inclusive 73-night cruise around South America in January 2027.
The TV designer on the daily meeting that is the key to living happily with his children and grandchildren.
The radio DJ, 74, on leaving the BBC, continuing his PopMaster quizzes and the joy of the daytime party.
The actors talk ageing, James Bond, the powerful message of the film and why author Richard Osman felt nervous about coming on set.
The clothing designer says it’s time to embrace thrift and shares his tips on how we can dress well for less.
DJ and presenter Jo Whiley on how she's still getting home at 4am and why she thinks Monty Don is as cool as Mick Jagger.
Former finalist Debbie McGee reveals what happens behind at the scenes at TV's most glamorous show.
Stop smoking, go for a walk and do puzzles, says the veteran newsreader.
The author and actor talks about her starring role in the Thursday Murder Club film.
Rock and roll's true survivor - Chris Rea on family, fame and what his battle with cancer has taught him.
