2:22 A Ghost Story at the Curve Theatre, Leicester, Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
** A Spoiler Free Review **
Crossing the liminal lines of Leicester, the multi-award-winning, supernatural thriller ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ continues its UK tour at the Curve Theatre. Equally amusing as spine-chilling, this contemporary play is written by Danny Robins, of ‘The Battersea Poltergeist’ podcast fame, and brought to the stage alongside a creative team of the highest calibre. With not a spare seat for a single soul, electric anticipation filled the air as we waited for the dimly stage to reveal its secrets.
Entirely taking place in their recently purchased London home, young, professional couple Jenny (Louisa Lytton) and Sam (Nathaniel Curtis) are spending the evening with Sam’s longstanding university friend, Lauren (Charlene Boyd), and her new partner Ben (Joe Absolom). Jenny and Sam have been renovating their home, and the half-finished, open-plan kitchen/living space shows the layers of the lives of the previous owners. To the left, a peeling main door – a portal to the second floor – swallowed by half-painted black in which hangs a red digital clock. To the right, a modern kitchen extension in stark contrast to the decades old décor, extant wallpaper and inherited furniture. At the rear, large patio doors open onto the shadowy night. Phoebe, their eleven-month-old daughter, is sleeping upstairs. Jenny believes a paranormal presence may also be residing in their dream home. Her dinner guests however have different feelings, opinions, and thoughts. Yet Jenny’s wellbeing hinges on being believed, so she invites them to stay-up until 2:22am – the time at which the haunting occurs.
Holding vigil, the recognisable and accomplished quartet of stars from stage and screen deliver nuanced performances; powerfully peeling back the layers of shared history and evolving relationships. The characters are complex, each one of them fully formed and a fascinating story in their own unique way. Their chemistry was potent. In a heartbeat, the cast were able to switch between whip-smart dialogue which raised hairs on your neck to that which evoked laughter – a testimony to their skill and the quality of the writing and producing. It was this juxtaposition of comedy and eerie which held the tension and enthralled the audience.
Like the story, the stagecraft was current and cleverly combined lighting, sound and visual effects to great effect. All strong drivers of the more involuntary emotional and physical responses to the mesmerising narrative. Who doesn’t love the shared experience of being startled followed by nervous laughter?!
The eagerly anticipated climax did not disappoint, and we spent the forty-five-minute drive home delightfully discussing and dissecting what we had experienced. Despite knowing the ending, we both agreed that we would enjoy a repeat visitation to discover what we overlooked and lurked in this captivating show.
Theatre at its very best – ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ is a modern classic and word-of-mouth sensation. Pensive, edge of your seat entertainment and the perfect Halloween chaser; an autumn haunting not to be missed! The clock is counting down… book your tickets now.
Rating: 5/5 Five ethereal Stars!
Tickets cost from £20.
On Stage from 7 to 11 November , for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/222-a-ghost-story/ or call the
Box Office on 0116 242 3595
Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB
Tour details at https://222aghoststory.com/
The modern Curve Theatre stands within a clean, well-lit, and popular cultural quarter of the city. The purpose-built venue is perfectly suited for all production types and quite unique; with no typical backstage area, you may find cast and crew mingling with you! The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a great night out in the bustling city. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. Other transport links are nearby. The Highcross and Haymarket shopping centres are a short walk away.
The single-level main foyer is relaxed and spacious, leading to all accessible levels. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked with a wide range of hot/cold drinks and treats; all of standard prices for theatres. Both stall and circle seats are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.