Spine-tingling cast announced for return of hit horror Paranormal Activity at Leeds Playhouse

EastEnders star James Bye, who played Martin Fowler for more than 10 years on the iconic BBC soap, stars in the national tour of Paranormal Activity when it returns to Leeds Playhouse for a terrifically terrifying festive run in its Courtyard Theatre from 9–24 December.

James (2:22, UK Tour) plays James alongside Hannah Sinclair Robinson (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, National Theatre, UK and Ireland Tour) as Lou, Jo Castleton (War Horse, National Theatre, National and International Tour) as Etheline Cotgrave, and Caroline Faber (Network and The Heiress, National Theatre) as Carolanne.

Melting Pot’s production was originally developed at Leeds Playhouse in 2024 and has gone on to enjoy a smash hit West End run and North American tour.

Written by acclaimed playwright Levi Holloway and directed by Felix Barrett, the visionary behind Punchdrunk, the show is based on the Paranormal Activity films, originally written and directed by Oren Peli and brought to the screen by Blumhouse and Solana Films.

James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are. This thrilling West End hit is inspired by the iconic, hugely popular film series, Paranormal Activity, with a brand-new story live on stage. Now embarking on its first ever UK and Ireland tour after a sell-out, extended run in London, this chilling production promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Hold your nerve.

Blurring the line between cinema and live theatre, Paranormal Activity has been hailed as ‘relentlessly frightening – arm-clutchingly, stranger-embracingly so’ (Metro), with audiences jumping out of their seats and questioning what’s lurking in the dark long after the curtain falls.

Paranormal Activity reimagines the modern ghost story with an unsettling intimacy only theatre can provide. Immersing audiences in an atmosphere of creeping dread, unseen forces, and psychological tension, Levi Holloway’s script offers a bold reinterpretation of the original, blending domestic horror with mind-bending theatricality. Felix Barrett, known for breaking boundaries between audience and performer, brings his signature visionary style to the production. With innovative staging and chilling soundscapes, Paranormal Activity invites audiences to witness the inexplicable up close – and feel the fear in real time.

The creative team also includes Fly Davis as Set and Costume Designer, Illusions by Chris Fisher, Anna Watson as Lighting Designer, Gareth Fry as Sound Designer, Video Design by Luke Halls and Casting Direction by Ginny Schiller CDG.

Paranormal Activity is produced by Simon Friend & Hanna Osmolska for Melting Pot in association with Gavin Kalin, Ken Davenport, Jenny King, Patrick Gracey, Jonathan & Rae Corr and Leeds Playhouse.

Paranormal Activity plays at Leeds Playhouse 9–24 December. Tickets are available here.