The stage adaptation of the hit horror film Paranormal Activity is set to premiere, with director Felix Barrett and writer Levi Holloway at the helm. The duo, who are both new parents, are no strangers to late-night disturbances, but their focus remains on bringing this modern horror classic to life on stage.
The original film, released in 2009, terrified audiences with its portrayal of a young couple plagued by unexplained forces in their home. The stage version promises to be a fresh take on the story, with Barrett and Holloway hinting at a different couple and a new setting.
While details about the production remain scarce, the creative team assures fans of the film that the essence of Paranormal Activity will be preserved in the stage adaptation. The show is described as intimate and claustrophobic, with a focus on the haunted house setting that is central to the story.
Barrett, known for his innovative immersive theatre work, explains that the decision to bring Paranormal Activity to the stage was a deliberate choice to embrace traditional stagecraft. The show aims to engage audiences in a way that is both familiar and unsettling, drawing them into the narrative with a sense of security and suspense.
As horror continues to be a popular genre in both film and theatre, Barrett and Holloway believe that the genre serves an important function in allowing audiences to explore existential questions in a safe and communal setting. They see horror as a necessary outlet for processing real-world fears and tensions, providing catharsis and escapism for audiences.
With its focus on live performance and immersive storytelling, Paranormal Activity aims to offer a unique and thrilling experience for theatre-goers. The show is set to run at Leeds Playhouse until August 3rd, with the potential for future productions in the West End and beyond.
