Last night I had the pleasure to be invited along to the press night for the UK tour of “Paranormal Activity”, the new play by Levi Holloway inspired by the Paramount Pictures movies. I love a horror play, I think the dim lighting and cold air of a historic theatre is perfectly suited to an unnerving horror experience and Paranormal Activity more than delivers on these expectations. We follow an American expat couple James and Lou, recently moved to London for James’ work, as they deal with some mysterious happenings from an unwelcome spirit in their house. I won’t spoil any major plot points but more generally I have to say the way the supernatural elements were delivered in this production were quite frankly masterful. For me this is the gold standard of horror theatre that I have seen.
James Bye is fantastic in the role of “James”. I recently saw Bye in 2:22 a ghost story and I think he plays this role of the sceptic to perfection. He is never obstructive to the believing character but always comes across very reasonable in his manner of questioning and doubt. Bye also plays a brilliant tortured soul and that is in e again on show in this production. Hannah Sinclair Robinson co-stars as “Lou”, James’ wife. Robinson was the emotional heart of this show, her struggles with her mind and what was real were just that, real, and her handling of these tender moments were pitched perfectly. Jo Castleton was strong as “Etheline Cotgrave” in her limited time on stage, as was Caroline Faber as “Carolanne”. Both ladies were brilliantly at building the much needed tension for a show such as this, and it is hard to truly give them their dues without spoiling the plot.
In terms of technical aspects this production excels. The lighting was suitably eerie; I particularly enjoyed the use of side lighting for passings cars and sirens etc. as you would expect on a normal house on a normal street. The sound design was also perfect, with the intro monologue in a pitch black theatre being a personal highlight. The set screamed of a Leeds Playhouse originating production, with a naturalistic two tier house on display and I think this worked perfectly as you never knew from which room the latest creepy happening was going to come. As for the special effects I think this production is quite possibly the best. My partner and I both walked away struggling to realise how they did them, and that is as keen magic fans!
Overall, I could not recommend Paranormal Activity in a higher regard. This is a show that will have you cowering behind your coat with your knees held in (just as the lady in the seat next to me was), but definitely don’t dare if you are afraid of what lurks in the darkness…
Reviewer: Adam Craddock
Reviewed: 29th September 2026
North West End UK Rating: