This will probably be the shortest and least informative piece I have ever posted on this site. The reason is, that because of the nature of the presentation, we were all asked to refrain from giving away any spoilers, which basically covers the whole play! There are also no production images so it will be text only, even the feature photograph is one I have taken of the programme.
What I can say is that the play, or ‘live haunting’ as it is described, concerns a couple, James, played by Patrick Heusinger, and Lou, Melissa James, who have been married for a year and moved to London from Chicago as their house in Chitown seems to be haunted.
So, there you have it. There are two other characters; Carolanne, James’ mother, played by Pippa Winslow; and Ethylene Cotgrave, Jackie Morrison. That said, there could be a fifth party, but, then again, maybe not!
I don’t know how you write a ‘haunting’, but it seems that Levi Holloway does as he has claimed the credit. Felix Barrett must also be in on the secret as he directed it. The play is based on, but not a replica of, the first Paranormal Activity film, so you more or less know what to expect – don’t you?
Insofar as the production was concerned, the special effects were stunning and the tension ramped up, often by the use of humour, which lulled the audience into a false sense of security before delivering the payoff.
Speaking of the audience, I believe that in situations like these, they are a great barometer. Under normal circumstances I would have been on the verge of losing my cool, as there were audible comments from some of them, along with unprovoked laughter. I also thought I heard a casual whistler but I realised that these were just methods employed to relieve tension, so Messrs Holloway and Barrett, along with the cast and other creatives, must have done their jobs well.
I’m sorry, Leeds Playhouse, but my conscience won’t let me leave it at that. If people are going to spend their hard-earned money on going to a haunting, they should at least know what it is about. I also realise that others want to attend in sweet oblivion of what is in store, so, to that end, and putting my future invitations to the theatre at risk, I will not elaborate here, but will post a continuation tomorrow when I will reveal what the play is about.
Paranormal Activity continues at Leeds Playhouse until 3rd August. To book go to https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/paranormal-activity/instances/
Tyke It To The Limit 