Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something strange and frightening feels close, so they’re going to stay up... until 2:22... and then they’ll know.

2:22 - A Ghost Story’s success includes three years in the West End over seven seasons. There have been twelve replica productions worldwide, and the show has been seen by over 1.1 million people in seventeen different countries across 5 continents. The production has featured a range of artists including Cheryl from Girls Aloud and Jay McGuiness from The Wanted.

This gripping story is such a sharp and brilliant show — the kind that keeps you and the rest of the audience guessing right to the end. Having seen this supernatural thriller now for the third time, when you witness this enthralling production, you will understand why. The clues are there in front of you; the question is, will you be succinct and alert enough to discover them the first time around?

With only four actors on stage for most of the show, attention never wanes, nor does your curiosity. The strong cast, led by James Bye as the smug Sam, brings an authoritarian presence to his role, whilst Shvorne Marks as Jenny goes from being confident and in control to one of unease and panic, all portrayed with accuracy and becoming one of the most compelling aspects of the show.

Grant Kilburn was equally impressive as Ben, bringing a sense of vulnerability to the proceedings as his character develops from a self-assured one to being a nervous and unpredictable one. Natalie Casey as Lauren was a wine-loving force of nature. Her captivating performance went from being a sober soul to having one drink too many with a convincing performance of her drunkenness.

Danny Robins' script traverses horror with, at times, light-hearted comedy, though the end result is far from a laughing matter. The lighting tended to focus many times on the redness of blood, drawing the audience further into the tight web of intrigue that is the bedrock of 2:22. The red digital clock that is displayed on the tour poster and show programme becomes a powerful image as the clock counts down to 2:22 as the show reaches its climax and yet another haunting scream comes from the stage.

The terrifying screams heard at the end of each scene added to the alluring atmosphere mixed with snatches of music provided by Amazon’s Alexa, who doesn’t always obey the commands she has been given.

A chilling modern classic – if you happen to witness 2:22 with anyone who has seen this thriller that will tingle your spine and have you on the edge of your seat – don't let them spill the beans beforehand and spoil the twist in the tale for you.

Just like Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap remember to “keep the secret” after witnessing this first-class ghost story.


York Grand Opera House - runs until Saturday 4th April

Further dates in the north:
6th-11th April - Liverpool Empire Theatre
13th-18th April - Newcastle Theatre Royal
11th-16th May - Leeds Grand Theatre
1st- 6th June - Sheffield Lyceum Theatre