Review: 2:22 A GHOST STORY, Richmond Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Helen Murray
2:22 A Ghost Story dares you to sit through the night, delivering loud, tense, clever and unsettling theatre.
This supernatural thriller follows two couples, Jenny and Sam who own the house, and Lauren and Ben who are visiting. Events occur over the course of one evening as the couples are gathered together in the newly renovated house, where strange and unusual events occur at night. As tensions build, the play explores the arguments of belief versus scepticism, fear versus logic, and how trauma and relationships shape what we believe and perceive. This is a dinner party drama that unravels into something darker and more sinister.
The eerie atmosphere is conveyed from the beginning with the stage lined with ominous red light that sets the tone. This lighting is used cleverly throughout, particularly during set changes with the stage dropping into total darkness, heightening the sense that the audience is never quite safe. Loud piercing screams woven through the show and during scene transitions are incredibly nerve-racking and make for many jump-scare moments. This works brilliantly to keep audiences constantly on edge.
The special effects are impressive and seamless, with striking events. Nothing feels gimmicky, which is important for keeping audiences engaged. Sound design plays a critical role, from the clever use of the baby monitor audio to the piercingly loud screams and old music, which sustains tension throughout. It’s an intense experience that rarely allows the audience to relax.
Grant Kilburn who plays Ben, the fun and well-meaning partner of Lauren, in this leg of the tour, is a standout. He is funny, likeable, sweet, and surprisingly emotional. His acting feels natural and grounded, revealing different sides of his character depending on who he is interacting with, adding vulnerability and depth to the role. Shvorne Marks who plays Jenny is also likeable, though much of her dialogue feels declarative, which may have been an indication of her maternal instincts and constant underlying anxiety. James Bye who portrays Sam feels natural and intriguingly out of place but in a good way. His pragmatism and realism contrasts sharply with Ben, particularly in the conversations of science, fear, and belief in ghosts. These moments are greatly engaging, highlighting differences in worldview. The discussions around death are also effective, further exposing character differences. Sam and Jenny work well as a couple, their contrasting traits balancing each other nicely, with Jenny’s maternal side strongly coming through. Natalie Casey who plays Lauren seems a little less convincing. Her accent feels forced, and the different relationships she has with Ben and Sam both lack chemistry, making romance or shared history between characters not as easy to believe. However, this may have been an effect of this character’s intoxication throughout.
The second act shifts tone effectively, focusing on how the characters respond and react under pressure. As crises escalate, personalities are more in focus, and situations are scrutinised. Humorous one-liners are cleverly woven in throughout, offering much-needed timely relief without undermining the tension, and adding texture and quirks to the characters.
The set design supports the story well, capturing the rustic, unfinished feel of the house while incorporating modern features. Combined with sharp sound and lighting design, it creates a believable environment that keeps the audience on edge throughout.
By the end, the audience is unsettled and freaked out. The twist and explanation of events are smart, satisfying, and well executed. This is a production that leaves you wanting to return, and scanning for missed details and hidden clues. A gripping, nerve-wracking play that will stay with you for some time.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Alexandra Tullah