Reviews: Paranormal Activity, Caged Bird, Pearle Harbour, American Devotion and more
The UK thriller loosely based on the found-footage films is frighteningly effective
Normally, the scariest thing at the theatre is being seated in front of a person who won’t stop talking.
There wasn’t much casual talking at the recent opening night of Paranormal Activity (Rating: ✭✭✭✭), the chilling, suspenseful stage show loosely based on the found-footage films of the same name. Instead, we in the audience were rivetted, breaking our rapt silence with the occasional gasp, scream and (at least in my case) moan “Oh noooo!” as the play progressed and our nerves frayed.
The premise is simple. James (Patrick Heusinger) and Lou (Melissa James) have recently moved to London from the U.S. James has a new job there, and Lou can work remotely. In the last place they lived, Lou experienced some mysterious issues, including times when she blacked out and “lost time.”
Both are hoping for a fresh start in the spacious two-storey apartment beautifully rendered by set designer Fly Davis. (This might be a good show to see from the mezzanine.) But before long, creepy things start up again: unexpected knocks on the door, temperamental lighting fixtures, TV sets that suddenly turn on.
James’ nosy, staunchly religious mother, Carolanne (Pippa Winslow), appears via video call to check in on them and see if Lou’s pregnant yet. The couple even hires a British podcast host (Jackie Morrison) who specializes in the metaphysical to scope out their place. Early on, James presents a gift to Lou as a sign that he believes what she’s going through: it’s a bell, and you know before the final scream that it’ll be ringing on its own. (Call it Chekhov’s bell.)