We charged our torches, peeked around a corner and headed to The Grand Opera House for Paranormal Activity
I hadn’t seen the 2007 film – or the seven sequels – so went in cold. The might explain the goosebumps. I’m a big brave boy, I’m a big brave boy…
The plot follows James and Lou who have recently relocated from the USA to England (where it always rains “Dogs and cats!”) Their new house is taking a little warming to, with dodgy electrics and things that go bump in the night. We soon learn that Lou has been spotting spooks, and believes that…something…has followed her to their new home…
James Bye as James is no stranger to ghost shows; I’d seen him previously at this very theatre in Ghost Story 2:22. He gives a solid performance, with an interesting character arc that sees him turn from cocksure sceptic to firm believer. Over two hours, he questions his faith, sanity and own moral compass.
Hannah Sinclair Robinson’s Lou tackles the issue of mental health sensitively, and gives another believable and sincere performance. The chemistry between Robinson and Bye is palpable, and we are drawn in from the very start.
Overbearing but well-meaning mother Coralanne (Caroline Faber) just wants a grandchild, and is worried for son Jimmy and the waivering mental health of his sweetheart. She’s relatably overprotective, and Faber really gets to play with light and shade in the second act.
We also meet spiritualist Etheline Cotgrave (Jo Castleton) who conducts an obligatory séance. Castleton milks the seriousness of the situation expertly, although the séance scene is similar to many seen before and doesn’t innovate. I guess séances have been done…to death?
Fly Davis’ set is reminscient of a classic horror trope…a creepy doll’s house. The action flits between rooms across both levels, and there are plenty of slamming doors and flickering lights to add drama.
Chris Fisher is on-hand as Illusion Designer. Illusions, you ask? This isn’t The Conjuring! Think more stage trickery than razzle dazzle, but oh boy do they work. No spoilers from this reviewer, but one effect in the first act is both unexpected and perfectly executed.
The marketing behind Paranormal Activity suggests you’ll need to bring stress balls, emotional support toys and even a will in lieu of your departed bravery. Whether this is just pre-show hype will depend on your own terror tolerance, but many will find it scary.
The production excels at creating a creeping sense of dread. There’s a slow-burning tension, punctuated with some sudden jump scares and plenty of surprises. This opening night audience switched between edge-of-your-seat silence to gasps, screams and nervy giggles. Whilst the pace dips a little in the second act, overall the scares come thick and fast.
A list of trigger warnings only adds to the fear factor, with loud bangs, childhood trauma, depression, alcoholism and death. It’s all not doom and gloom though, and there’s some sharp comedy courtesy of writer Levi Holloway’s script.
Like the aforementioned Ghost Story 2:22, this is a modern day ghost story co-starring Alexa (or “one of her relatives”), video calls and hi-tech security systems. It perhaps lacks the clever simplicity and historical context of something like The Woman in Black, but works well as a 21st century spookfest.
A tense tale told well, it may well set your nerves jangling and heart racing. Book now…if you dare…
Paranormal Activity runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 3rd October. Tickets at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/paranormal-activity/grand-opera-house-york/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
