Paranormal Activity: Horror film gets stage premiere in Leeds

It became one of the most profitable films ever, if box office takings are compared with the original production budget. It cost just $15,000 (£8,000) to make and went on to earn $193m (£125m) – then spawned a franchise that took another $700m (£435m).

The stage version isn’t a simple recreation, but few details have been revealed so far.

Instead of posting the usual promotional blurb to persuade us to buy a ticket, the theatre website simply lists Barrett and Holloway’s names, then adds: “We can’t say anything else.” (Although if you click on the obligatory trigger warning, it also pledges that the show will feature “loud noises, sudden darkness, blood and gore with references to mental health”.)

Barrett and Holloway give up some more scraps of information.

“I think we can comfortably say that it’s wildly different than the film,” says playwright Holloway.

“Wildly different but I think still familiar,” Barrett adds.

“It takes its essence. The events are different, but the texture and the quality is very much inspired by the film because it’s very effective.

“If people love Paranormal Activity, then they’ll bond with this for sure.”