Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There has been a great hype around 2:22 A Ghost Story since it opened on the West End in August 2021. Whilst plot details remain scarce, so as not to spoil audience members enjoyment, it was the production’s casting that grabbed all the headlines. Pop superstars, Lily Allen, Cheryl (formerly of Girls Aloud) have appeared in the show’s London run, in addition, actors such as Eastenders Jake Wood and James Buckley of The Inbetweeners, have also appeared. 

Now embarking on its first UK tour, I suppose the big question is does it justify the hype? Simply put, yes it does, not just because of the cast, but behind it is a smart, intriguing funny script with plenty of thrills and scares to keep you entertained for a great couple of hours.

The plot focuses on married couple Jenny (Louisa Lytton) and Sam (Nathaniel Curtis). The pair are busy renovating their new home, as well as managing the sleepless nights brought on by the arrival of their newborn daughter. Whilst Sam is away with work, Jenny experiences some strange occurrences, she hears the sound of a man crying and footsteps coming through the baby monitor, even stranger this occurs nightly always at the same time.

Upon Sam’s arrival home the couple host a dinner party for Sam’s friend from university Lauren (Charlene Boyd), and her new boyfriend Ben, (Joe Absolom). At the party Jenny tells her guests of what she has experienced, whilst her husband is sceptical and tries to rationalise them, Jenny finds support from Lauren and Ben.  On top of the possible paranormal activity there is continuing personal gripes and tension that threatens to boil over.

Danny Robin’s script is intelligent, sharp, with some darkly comedic one-liners. Whilst the ‘big jump’ scares aren’t as frequent or as-in-your-face as The Woman in Black or Ghost Stories, when they do come, it does give you a jolt. The situation seems highly plausible, with the focus more on the characters paranoia and regrets than anything. For me the production is equally about the struggles of modern life as well as the paranormal, which makes for a more authentic viewing experience.

Louisa Lytton is in great form as Jenny, it’s a believable turn filled with angst, worry and frustration that never strays into being OTT. Nathaniel Curtis is equally impressive as Sam, a character so arrogant with an air of superiority, he’s totally unlikeable at first, however as the narrative progresses you see him become more vulnerable. It’s a portrayal that in lesser hands could irritate, but Curtis gets the balance spot on.

Joe Absolom brings a touch of humour mixed with a slight intensity to proceedings as Ben, the working-class outsider of the quartet. Absolom gives a measured performance, while the continuing tension between Ben and Curtis’s Sam is fun to watch. Whilst Charlene Boyd’s Lauren adds to the drama and complexity, as throughout the course of the evening we see her slowly descend into desperation brought on by alcohol. She strikes the right blend of confidence and insecurity throughout.

Under Isabel Marr’s direction this is slick production, where the tension lifts but never becomes melodramatic, you are consistently anticipating when the next scare will arrive. The mere inclusion of the clock counting down till the fateful time is a simple but deeply effective plot device.

2:22 A Ghost Story, works so well because of its domestic setting, believable characters and a very real feeling scenario. It’s a well-crafted, solidly acted, chilling and highly entertaining night at the theatre, filled with plot twists and misdirection it’s perfect for this spooky time of the year.

2:22 A Ghost Story is at the Lowry till 4th November 2023, tickets available here.