2:22 A Ghost Story at Nottingham Theatre Royal Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Latesha Brown
2:22 A Ghost Story returns to the stage this year after seven successful runs across the West End and a record‑breaking UK and Ireland tour. Written by Danny Robins and directed by Matthew Dunster and Gabriel Vega Weissman, this production is solidly crafted with moments of tension that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a slow‑burn, suspense‑driven watch. It features a star‑studded cast including soap stars James Bye (EastEnders) and Natalie Casey (Hollyoaks; Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps). In addition, Grant Kilburn returns to play Ben, having previously performed in the 2025 tour, and Shvorne Marks, who played Lauren in the 2025 UK tour, will change roles and play Jenny.
There is something about 2:22 A Ghost Story that settles you before it properly unsettles you. From the moment you walk in, the staging design does a lot of the heavy lifting, with a detailed set that immediately feels lived in, cleverly paired with lighting that quietly signals that this isn’t going to stay comfortable for very long. It manages to be immersive without trying too hard, and that restraint works in its favour. Immediately, I felt drawn in and curious. What really carries the production is the balance between paranormal and psychological tension. It would be easy for a show like this to lean too heavily into gimmicks, but instead it keeps you guessing. There are moments that do make you jump- yet these are sharp, well‑timed, and effective.
The real strength is how those moments are used to play with doubt, and I found myself constantly questioning what was real, what was imagined, and who (if anyone) could be trusted. The premise unfolds slowly, and even though the opening scenes kept me engaged, there were some moments where the scene lingered just past the point it needed to, almost like it was circling its own tension rather than driving it forward. That said, it never completely lost me, as you’re waiting, watching, and always anticipating something you can’t quite name yet. And when it does start to shift, it becomes clear this isn’t going where you expect it to.
In terms of performances, Grant Kilburn as Ben stood out. There was a natural energy to his performance that cuts through the tension at just the right moments, bringing a level of ease and humour without disrupting the atmosphere. He interacted well with the rest of the cast, and those dynamics feel believable rather than staged. However, all of the main cast come across as experienced and grounded in their roles, which is essential for a piece that relies so heavily on conversation and shifting perspectives.
The design choices deserve another mention because they genuinely shaped the atmosphere well. Lighting in particular is used so effectively, with subtle shifts that heighten tension, isolate moments, and guide your focus without being obvious. Combined with the use of props and the confined domestic setting, it creates a space that feels both familiar and increasingly unsettling. It was the perfect contrast that makes the more intense moments land. The audience had the particular kind of silence in a theatre when people are fully locked in, and this had exactly that. You could really feel the collective tension- moments of stillness followed by sharp reactions, nervous laughter, and that shared sense of being slightly on edge. It was the kind of atmosphere that elevated the whole experience where you weren’t just watching something unfold; you were part of it.
Even outside of the performance itself, the overall experience felt smooth.
The theatre is very easy to find (would recommend using the tram as the Royal Centre stop is right outside the theatre) and to navigate inside, and that always helps you settle into the night without distraction.
Overall, 2:22 A Ghost Story is an entertaining and chilling thriller that focuses more on building tension, shifting perspectives, and the unease of not having clear answers. The blend of paranormal and psychological threads keeps you engaged and gives you something to think about afterwards. It didn’t completely hit the mark for me, but there is still plenty here to make it a worthwhile watch of slow‑building, atmospheric theatre.
Rating: 3/5
Tickets range from £15 to £53.50.
2:22 A Ghost Story is on at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham from the 20th – 25th April 2026.
For more information or to book tickets visit: https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/2-22-a-ghost-story-sb2l or call the Box Office on: 0115 989 5555.
Photographer credits:
Helen Murray