I don’t usually sign up to review performances that aren’t musicals, but something about this one drew me in. Coincidentally an article written by ‘The Stage’ popped up today, talking about the West End transfer of this production, so already I was expecting good things, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
I was so pleased to see such a full venue this evening at The Grand Blackpool.
Written by Danny Robins, 2:22 has a very small cast featuring only four principles and two supporting cast members. All of the action takes place on the same set, a living room/ dining room open plan downstairs of a house, the events take place over the period of one evening. I don’t want to give too much away, because I really don’t want to spoil anything; But I can say that the cast members were each excellent in their roles, the scenery spared no detail and the sound, lights and effects were second to none.
The story tells of a young couple Jenny and Sam, who have recently moved into a new house with their young baby, they have invited dinner guests over, another couple Lauren and Ben. During the course of the evening, they discuss the possibility of the house being haunted. I will leave the story at that.
Each of the cast members have Numerous credits to their names, and you’ll recognise most of them from the TV. Rachel Morris as Jenny. Her partner Sam played by the highly entertaining George Rainsford you may recognise from BBC One’s Casualty.
The couple are very believable together, and this is helped along by a very cleverly written script with moments of humour, quick whit, danger, and jumps scares.
Morris is very believable, naturalistic and so at home on the stage. Several moments during this evening performance, I actually forgot where I was. The cast really drew in the audience I made us feel like we too were invited to the dinner party.
The same can be said for the chemistry of Vera Chok as Lauren, Best known for her role in Hollyoaks and her partner Benjamin played by Jay McGuinness from the boy Band ‘The Wanted’ he also has various theatre credits under his belt, including playing the lead role in the musical version of ‘Big’
The company also includes Aaron Dart and Rachel Morris and directed by Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr.
I can’t highlight enough how different this production is to everything else I’ve seen in the past few years, it’s well worth a watch and I highly recommend.
If you’re a fan of a scary movie that is….
Performances running until Saturday 27th April 2024.
Reviewer: Rebecca Casey
Reviewed: 23rd April 2024
North West End UK Rating: