Review: 2:22 A Ghost Story

Thursday 14 August

2:22 A Ghost Story

A review by Dr Rosie Shire

Three words to describe 2:22 A Ghost Story: drama, comedy, and fright — all fused into a brilliant two-hour performance featuring Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton, Grant Kilburn, and Shvorne Marks.

I’m not often drawn to scary shows, but I’d heard 2:22 had something special, and I was curious to see it for myself.

The play is set in the front room of Jenny (Dooley) and Sam’s (Clifton) new home, with their baby asleep upstairs and occasionally heard through the baby monitor. Old friend Lauren (Marks) and get new boyfriend,Ben (Kilburn), have joined them for their first dinner party since moving in.

Sam has just returned from a work trip; while he was away, Jenny heard some strange noises and has decided the house must be haunted……..

This is a show that would be worth seeing again- to watch for the clues scattered through the dialogue & hidden in the the action!

Without revealing any secrets, there are several moments where the entire audience leaps in unison — usually followed by bursts of laughter as people realise how much they’ve startled themselves.

My advice: don’t hold a full glass when the theatre lights dim!

2:22 A Ghost Story is at the Manchester Opera House until Saturday 16th August

The four actors keep the suspense building, and only leave the stage for brief moments through the 2 hours.

I had no problem believing that , dancer, Kevin Clifton, was skeptical Sam, & that I was observing Jenny try to convince him that they are living with a ghost!

The digital clock on the wall shows time ticking by until the moment of truth arrives at 2:22…….