2:22 A Ghost Story is one of those plays that's just perfect for the spooky season. This blood-curdling scream of a show has been making waves in London's West End since 2021, and now it's hitting the road with a tour that recently haunted Newcastle's Theatre Royal. That’s where I watched it; I’d forgotten how pretty that theatre is.
So, let’s set the scene: Sam (It’s a Sin’s Nathaniel Curtis) and Jenny (Louisa Lytton, Eastenders) are a young couple who have recently moved into an old house with their baby. Amid the renovations and all the frustrations they bring, Jenny suspects some ghostly shenanigans. We’re talking windows mysteriously opening, toys relocating themselves, and a baby monitor tuned into Creepy Noises FM at the same time each night—2:22 a.m. on the dot. Classic horror movie stuff.
But, in proper play fashion, Jenny decides the best way to deal with potential ghosts is to throw a dinner party. Obviously. Anyway, she invites Sam's old college buddy, Lauren/Loz (Charlene Boyd), and her plumber-turned-live-in boyfriend, Ben (Joe Absolom), for a night of fine dining served with a generous helping of the occult.
Now, no spoilers, but after the curtain rises on the second act, things get seriously spooky as the alcohol runs low and the goings-on get stranger and more intense. The first half is more dark comedy than bone-chilling thriller, with clever social satire and jump scares that had even the bravest audience members and most dedicated true crime aficionados (me) on the edge of their seats.
After the break, it's a rollercoaster of ghost stories, wine-fueled confessions, and frayed tempers.
The cast delivers top-notch performances. Nathaniel Curtis nails the role of Sam, the skeptical cynic and know-it-all you love to hate, while Louisa Lytton embodies the terrified, tired new mom, Jenny, with the perfect mix of fragility and protectiveness underpinning the strength of her conviction.
The script, penned by Newcastle's own Danny Robbins, keeps the action moving at breakneck speed for the full 2 hours, with twists and turns that range from the supernatural to the deeply personal.
So, if you can muster the courage to stay up past your bedtime, 2:22 A Ghost Story is a play you absolutely shouldn't miss. It's the kind of spine-tingling, thought-provoking drama that'll have you talking long after the final curtain call. Perfect for you and your spooky friends this season or anytime you crave a good old-fashioned ghost story with a twist.
Kelly’s rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 definitely one to go watch!
What are your recommendations for the spooky season? Films, TV shows, plays—it’s all welcome here! Share in the comments.
If I wasn’t convinced already, this has me sold!
Aside: why does the guy far left on the image look so much like Cole Sprouse...