Paranormal Activity brings the iconic horror series to life in clever and creepy ways

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Adapting Paranormal Activity for the stage seems unusual, considering the film series is known for its ‘found footage’ style. However, the new stage production at London’s Ambassadors Theatre isn’t simply showing a pre-recorded performance to the audience. The producers have done much more than that.

The creators aren’t trying to redo the existing movies; instead, they want to capture the same feeling as the original series and tell a completely new story. While you don’t have to be familiar with the series to enjoy it, fans will appreciate the nods to past moments – like a character unsettlingly watching someone sleep, or long, detailed scenes that encourage you to examine everything happening around them.

The story centers on James and Lou, a couple who relocate from Chicago to London hoping for a new beginning. Unfortunately, the mysterious presence that troubled them back in Chicago seems to have followed them across the Atlantic…

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If you prefer a movie that builds suspense gradually, Paranormal Activity isn’t it. The film relies heavily on jump scares – cutting to black after each of its six long scenes and using sudden, loud noises, including a memorable use of Nirvana’s ‘Lithium’. However, it does work; the audience frequently reacted to big scares with nervous laughter, suggesting it successfully created a frightening atmosphere.

The transitions between scenes feel like a missed opportunity. While the dramatic music aims to maintain suspense, it actually weakens the tension created in the previous scene. Using visual projections, similar to what’s done in productions like Stranger Things: The First Shadow, could have been a great way to incorporate a ‘found footage’ element and enhance the storytelling.

Buy Paranormal Activity tickets on ATG Tickets

Like that play, Paranormal Activity really excels at creating scares through clever illusions and technical skill. We won’t reveal any details about when or how these scares happen, because we don’t want to spoil the experience.

Chris Fisher’s illusions are used subtly but effectively, adding to the show’s atmosphere. This atmosphere is further enhanced by Anna Watson’s lighting, which beautifully showcases the detailed two-story set designed by Fly Davis, representing James and Lou’s home.

Okay, when everything clicks – like in the super tense opening of the second act, where most of the lighting comes from a phone – it really pulls you in. I honestly felt like something was hiding in that creepy, unused nursery up on stage. But after a while, you notice most scenes follow the same pattern: slow build-up, then a jump scare. It works at first, but you get used to it, and it kind of loses its punch.

Buy Paranormal Activity tickets on TodayTix

One of the best things about Paranormal Activity is the return of the talented cast from the Leeds Playhouse production this summer. Patrick Heusinger and Melissa James are joined once more by Pippa Winslow, who plays James’s mother Carolanne, and Jackie Morrison as podcaster Etheline Cotgrave.

Honestly, it’s mostly just James and Lou up there performing, and you can immediately tell they’ve got that same amazing connection from the original show. Even when the first scene drags on a bit before hitting you with the first real scare, their chemistry is what keeps you hooked – even if you’re dying to run onstage and tell James to stop saying the wrong things!

The strong relationship between the characters makes the scary ending of Paranormal Activity even more impactful. We won’t give anything away, but the last image is truly unsettling and will stay with you long after the credits roll. Happy holidays, maybe?

How to buy Paranormal Activity tickets

You can see Paranormal Activity at the Ambassadors Theatre until March 28, 2026. Shows happen every night from Monday to Saturday at 8pm, with extra shows (matinees) on Thursdays and Saturdays at 3pm.

The performance will have audio description on February 9th, captions on February 10th, and British Sign Language interpretation on February 19th.

This show is recommended for ages 15 and up. Tickets are available now starting at £25 from ticket sellers like ATG Tickets, TodayTix, and LoveTheatre. TodayTix also offers a daily “Rush” sale with a limited number of tickets for £30.

Paranormal Activity is running at the Ambassadors Theatre in London until 28 March 2026.

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2025-12-16 03:20