2:22 A Ghost Story at The Mayflower Southampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
I’ve heard rave reviews about 2:22 A Ghost Story and couldn’t wait to see it for myself. We arrived at the Mayflower after a quick journey from Bournemouth. I look forward to my visits to The Mayflower. The theatre itself is beautiful inside. We were seated in the stalls in row J and had nice comfortable seats which were amazing, very central and we had such a great view of the stage. We were able to see all the action that was going on. I have been to the Mayflower a few times and know that you get a great view from anywhere in the auditorium.
2:22 A Ghost Story arrives at the Mayflower from a very successful run in the West End. This touring show features the following well known cast members. Joe Absolom (A Confession, Doc Martin), Charlene Boyd (Mayflies, River City), Nathaniel Curtis (It’s A Sin, The Witcher) and Louisa Lytton (Eastenders, The Bill) and has previously starred the likes of Cheryl, Lily Allen, Tom Felton and Laura Whitmore. So not only does the storyline pull in the audience, but the star studded cast does too. I was really looking forward to seeing Nathaniel Curtis after seeing him in action in It’s A Sin.
Upon entering the theatre, the curtain is up, showing the set. None of the cast are on stage, just a few digital clocks running through random times. The audience is sat there in anticipation and it just builds the atmosphere ….. I was intrigued and pondering what will happen during the show?
The set shows a house, which is the being lived in and renovated by a Jenny and Sam and their child. Jenny believes her house is haunted, strange occurrences start happening at night, all around 2:22. But what is it? What is going bump in the night? From movement in the upper floors, to voices over the baby monitor, follow Jenny as she tries to convince her sceptic husband Sam that something is going on in their house. The couple throw a dinner party for her husband’s old university friend where they meet her new boyfriend, Jenny convinces everyone to stay up until 2:22 so that they can see what is going on. The cast were amazing at bringing to life the tensions of the dinner party, the stresses of a couple on the edge and hidden feelings. Lauren’s boyfriend Ben, is a believer in the paranormal, suggesting a séance to get to the bottom of what’s really going on. Like the rest of the audience, I was absolutely glued to the stage and on the edge of my seat. I was invested so much in finding out what was going on. But no spoilers from me, you have to watch it to find out! All I can say, is expect a few jumps as you go!
Well what can I say about the cast! Outstanding! The show couldn’t work without the 4 cast members. They gelled so well and delivered a performance well deserved of a standing ovation. Joe Absolom played Ben brilliantly, the tension between him an Sam was very evident on stage. He delivered his lines with humour and had the audience fighting his corner. Louisa Lytton portrayed a very scared Jenny, petrified that the things happening in her house were maliciously aimed at her daughter Phoebe. She emitted a motherly love for her child and her frustrations when her husband didn’t believe her. Lauren was played by Charlene Boyd, who was so well played as the heartbroken woman who needed alcohol to make things right. So realistic were the props and drinks that I thought they were really drinking on stage. Which brings us to Nathaniel Curtis as Sam, he was magnificent. He played the frustrated husband, trying to get across his scientific reasoning and was able to get laughs from the audience. A fantastic script and storyline with well timed effects and acting.
During the interval, there were lots of murmurings from the audience trying to work out what was going on, wondering what was going to happen next, what will happen at 2:22? I’ve never been to a show that has everyone so gripped!
It is great to be part of a secret society of theatre goers who can only discuss the twists and turns that the show takes you on. Afterwards, you will want to tell everyone about what you have seen, but, you may need to convince family and friends to go see for themselves first. I will say this, that although the secret is safe with some theatre goers, try not to research too much about the show before hand as there are spoilers out there. The show does need to be watched to be believed. 2:22 A Ghost Story is an epic piece of theatre, so well written, directed and acted. Well done everyone and thank you to The Mayflower for bringing this brilliant piece of theatre to Southampton
I would give the show an overall 5 out of 5 (I would give more if I could!)
The tickets cost from £19.50 and was a very reasonable price for the tickets. The show is a sell out, but for other shows visit https://www.mayflower.org.uk/
Mayflower Theatre 22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/222-a-ghost-story-2023/
Rating: 5/5