2:22 A Ghost Story at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
The reputation of 2:22 A Ghost Story precedes it as a hit West End Production with a star studded cast. Written by Danny Robins, the production is now on a national tour, this week stopping off at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal.
Directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr 2:22 A Ghost Story, with its tense atmosphere, is set to thrill and scare you in equal measures. Starring Fiona Wade (Emmerdale) who plays Jenny and George Rainsford (Casualty) who plays Sam, her scientist husband. They are a couple with a new born daughter who are renovating an old Victorian house they have bought, adding in skylights, and stripping off wallpaper to put their own mark on to it.
The stage design by Anna Fleischile, is set to show the inside of their modern space with open plan kitchen, living and dining room and glass doors leading to the back yard. The lighting by Lucy Carter is atmospheric and haunting.
The drama starts as the clock strikes 2:22 am and Jenny hears a noise coming from her baby’s bedroom. The drama intensifies as the theatre is plunged into darkness, except for a bright red light around the stage.
The next evening guests Lauren, played by Vera Chok (Hollyoaks) and Ben played by Jay McGuiness (The Wanted) have been invited round. Lauren is an old university friend of Sam and Ben is her builder boyfriend.
The conversation turns to the house and who used to live there and Jenny mentions the funny goings-on at a particular time at night. After quite a lot of wine, and also some spooky events they decide to stay up till the time arrives to investigate further. Sam is adamant it can all be explained by something logical but Jenny has lots of theories to explain the mysteries of the supernatural; that she would like to explore.
Without spoiling too much of the plot this is a fantastic edge-of-your-seat show that successfully weaves together a tale of intrigue and psychological suspense. Running for around two hours, with interval, the eerie atmosphere and haunting performances are guaranteed to keep you gripped right to the very end. The cast delivers powerful performances, drawing the audience with them along the chilling narrative.
Winner of Best New Play (Whatsonstage awards) 2:22 is a must see piece of spine chilling theatre!
Nottingham’s Theatre Royal is located in the city centre with tram and bus routes close by as well as car parking and is a short walk from the train station. There are plenty of restaurants and bars close at hand.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £17.50(booking fees may apply).
2:22 A Ghost Story s at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 11 May 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/222-a-ghost-story-2024/
or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.