The Paranormal Activity franchise has terrified cinema audiences for over a decade, so its arrival on the West End stage comes with high expectations. Written by Levi Holloway and directed by Felix Barrett, the production promises an experience that reimagines the modern ghost story for live theatre. While it succeeds in atmosphere and technical craft, its narrative struggles to maintain momentum, resulting in a mixed evening of chills and longueurs.
Unlike the original film’s found-footage format, this stage adaptation opts for a more traditional storytelling approach. Holloway’s script introduces James and Lou, a couple who have relocated from Chicago to a quaint London home in search of a fresh start.
Lou’s past trauma and reliance on medication are hinted at early on, adding psychological tension to the domestic setting. James’ mother, ever-present via FaceTime from Florida, provides occasional comic relief, but the focus remains on the couple’s growing unease as unexplained noises escalate from faulty plumbing to something far more sinister.
When a celebrated doctor is summoned to conduct a séance, the play edges into familiar horror territory, culminating in a twist that, while satisfying, feels overdue.
The decision to abandon the franchise’s signature aesthetic is bold, yet it exposes the production’s weakest link: pacing. Too much of the two-hour runtime is devoted to James or Lou creeping silently through the house, investigating bumps in the night. While this slow-burn approach aims to build suspense, it too often lapses into monotony, leaving audiences waiting for the next jolt.
And those jolts, when they arrive, are inconsistent. Several scares rely on sudden loud noises. However, when the creative team does deploy its full arsenal; Luke Halls’ video design, Anna Watson’s lighting, Gareth Fry’s soundscape, and Chris Fisher’s illusions, the results are genuinely thrilling. One climactic sequence involving projections and shifting architecture is a wonder of stagecraft, proving that horror can work brilliantly in a live setting.
Fly Davis’ two-storey set deserves special mention. Its meticulous detail evokes a real London home, and its scale within the intimate Ambassadors Theatre creates a sense of voyeuristic unease. The cast, led by Patrick Heusinger and Melissa James, deliver committed performances, though they are hampered by underwritten roles.
Lou’s belief in the supernatural and James’ scepticism provide a clear dynamic, but both characters lack the depth needed to elicit genuine empathy. Supporting players Pippa Winslow and Jackie Morrison add texture, yet the script offers them little beyond exposition.
As part of the Paranormal Activity legacy, this production is an intriguing experiment. It honours the franchise’s themes while carving out a new narrative, and its technical achievements are undeniable.
Yet as a standalone play, it falters. Holloway’s writing cannot sustain the tension required for live horror, and Barrett’s immersive instincts, so effective in Punchdrunk’s work, feel constrained by the proscenium arch.
For fans of the films, the novelty of experiencing this world on stage may justify the ticket price. For others, it is a stylish but uneven attempt to translate cinematic terror into theatrical form.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
