Frighteningly Good Fun
Paranormal Activity is everything an audience could want for a night at the theatre, haunting and intimate. Young couple James (James Bye) and Lou (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) have recently moved from Chicago to London to try and run away from their past. As they arrive in London, they come to understand that they have not been successful at running away from their ghosts.
Felix Barrett’s direction is excellent, and huge kudos must be given to the entire design team for pulling together moments of theatrical magic. Fly Davis’ Set design is remarkable, the set is a working two floor house which lets the audience peer into the couple’s lives as though it was some kind of twisted doll’s house. Anna Watson’s lighting design is remarkable for its naturalism, it was easy to forget that they didn’t live on a real street with lighting pouring through the windows and cars driving by. Luke Hall’s video design and Gareth Fry’s sound tie the piece together.
This show would not work at all were it not for Chris Fisher’s illusions. To create effects for horror films, where one can rely on camera trickery and clever editing is one thing, but to create moments that leave the audience genuinely shocked and confused as to how they managed to make it happen is another entirely. The end of both acts are particular highlights in terms of moments that left the audience stunned.
The show is anchored by the performances of Bye and Sinclair Robinson. Particular praise must be given to Sinclair Robinson whose performance of the haunted, terrified Lou is stellar. The supporting actors Caroline Faber and Jo Castleton do a tremendous job as James’ overbearing mother Carolanne and paranormal investigator Cotgrave respectively. Though they have far less stage time than James and Lou, they are responsible for some of the most haunting moments of the show. Carolanne’s monologue in the second act is an incredibly tight piece of horror writing (and proof that one of the scariest things a woman can be is a certified Boy Mom).
Despite a few moments of hammy dialogue, and some slightly spotty American accents, the show is a fast paced modern ghost story that leaves the audience at the edge of their seat.
Paranormal Activity is currently touring various locations across the UK, until June 2027, tickets are available here.