2:22 A Ghost Story At Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Jan Dixon

I attended 2:22 A Ghost Story at Kings Theatre Portsmouth on the opening night. The play runs between 2nd March 2026 to 7th March 2026 inclusive at 19.30, with 14.30 matinee performances on 5th and 7th March 2026. Ticket prices start from £24.00 with concessions available.

2:22 A Ghost Story was written by Danny Robins, creator of BBC podcasts, The Battersea Poltergeist and Uncanny, and has had record breaking runs in five West End Theatres and it was the winner of the Best New Play at the What’s On Stage Awards. It is a supernatural thriller, so be ready to be scared!
As the story is based on the element of surprise, a basic outline can only be given, so that the premise is not disclosed to potential audiences.

Very loud music and a bright red neon light around the stage greeted the audience from the start; setting the scene for unusual dramatic effects. Initially this startled the audience, but frequent use of the bright red neon light and ‘fox screams’ was over-used I felt. However, many members of the audience were still ‘jumping’ whenever these happened. The static set was revealed as a kitchen/diner/living area, partly renovated. An outside area, accessed through patio doors lent another dimension to the setting, which was used to excellent effect, also highlighting weather conditions. The ensemble consisted of four characters; a couple who own the house and their two friends who were invited to dinner. The sounds of a baby by the couple were heard off stage through a baby monitor and Alexa.

The performances by each were effective, although extra praise should be given to James Bye (Sam) and Shvorne Marks (Jenny) for their depiction of a married couple with a young baby who were struggling with opposing parenting opinions. Natalie Casey (Lauren) and Grant Kilburn (Ben) played the dinner guests, the latter meeting Lauren’s friend Sam for the first time.

It was interesting to hear an intellectual debate between the ensemble about the possibility of ghosts, the supernatural vs science, which culminated in a séance. This was well-scripted and very effective. However other parts of the script seemed rather predictable and stereotypical of the characterisation portrayed, in particular the drunken Lauren and her partner Ben at odds with each other. The outcome of the storyline was interesting; which cannot be revealed!

The audience at the Kings seemed to really enjoy the play and were suitably highly reactive to the atmospheric lighting, use of ‘fox screams’ and storyline unfolding. There were quite a few screams of alarm from the audience, so ‘thriller’ was a good description!

For those of you who like ghost stories and the opportunity to see well-known stars performing on stage – James Bye (Eastenders); Natalie Casey (2 pints of lager and a packet of crisps); Svorne Marks (Three Little Birds) and Grant Kilburn (2.22 A Ghost Story), I would recommend this play. Get ready to ‘jump’!
Rating: 4/5
Written by Jan Dixon for Kings Theatre.
For more information or to book tickets please visit Home – Kings Theatre Portsmouth. 
Box Office: 023 9282 8282; Box.office@kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 2QJ