A new stage production has brought the chilling terror of the Paranormal Activity film franchise to London's West End, proving that live theatre can be just as, if not more, frightening than anything on screen. Staged at the Ambassadors Theatre, this adaptation masterfully translates supernatural dread into a visceral, in-person experience that leaves audiences both spellbound and deeply spooked.
From Screen to Stage: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror
Directed by Felix Barrett of the renowned immersive theatre company Punchdrunk, the play wisely avoids relying on video screens, a common crutch in modern stage horror. Instead, it builds fear through expert direction, breathtaking stagecraft, and a palpable, creeping tension. The story, written by Levi Holloway, follows Jimmy (Patrick Heusinger) and Lou (Melissa James), a couple who relocate from Chicago to London hoping to escape the unsettling 'spells' Lou has been experiencing. They soon learn a terrifying lesson: places aren't haunted, people are.
The production's brilliance lies in its technical execution. Fly Davis's stunning two-storey set is sliced open for the audience to peer into, every shadowy nook a potential source of terror. Anna Watson's lighting design acts as a sinister guide, pulling focus from room to room, while plunging others into an impenetrable, menacing black. The real magic, however, comes from Chris Fisher's astonishing illusions, which elicit not just screams but also gasps of bewildered delight at the sheer audacity of the stagecraft.
A Production Where Every Jump Scare is Earned
While the script itself can be functional and occasionally hammy, these flaws are easily forgiven in a show this dexterous. Every element, from sound to lighting to set design, works in concert to ramp up the tension and subvert expectations. The frights are meticulously crafted and embedded within the twisted narrative of the doomed couple's ordeal, making them feel earned rather than cheap.
The supporting cast adds crucial layers to the story. Jackie Morrison plays an expert brought in to rationalise the chaos, and Pippa Winslow is gloriously unsettling as Jimmy's mother, appearing via video call on the family's TV—one of the few screens used in the entire production. The result is an experience that treats horror as a high art form, creating a lingering sense of dread that follows you home.
The Verdict: A Lingering Terror
The true test of any horror is its staying power, and this production passes with flying colours. The fear it instils has a remarkable half-life, capable of resurfacing in the dead of night. It's a testament to the show's power that it can make you question a strange light in your own bedroom, forcing you to pull the duvet tight and remind yourself: it was just a play. For those seeking a thrilling, expertly crafted night of theatre that prioritises atmosphere over gore, this is an unmissable event.
Paranormal Activity is running at the Ambassadors Theatre in London until 28 March. Be prepared to be thrilled, chilled, and utterly amazed by what is possible when horror takes to the stage.
