2:22 A Ghost Story – Opera House, Manchester

Everyone loves a ghost story. Whether it is by M R James, Edgar Allen Poe or Stephen King, we all love stories that make us jump out of our seats and scare the bejesus out of us. This show certainly did that and more!

At base, this is a tremendously well-structured play which brilliantly ratchets up the tension and keeps everyone on the edge of those seats they will certainly be jumping out of. There is more, though, to this play than being a simple ghost story. It also explores ideas of rationalism, belief, control and identity whilst also being a supremely entertaining romp.

It has been a phenomenally successful show, having been three years in the West End, and has been seen by over one million people in 17 different countries. I can understand why, as the play zips along faster than a poltergeist with plenty of compelling theatrical thrills and spills along the way. Directors Mathew Dunster and Gabriel Vega Weissman were certainly keen to keep the play moving along at a pace.

Jenny (Stacey Dooley) is adamant that the house she has bought with her husband Sam (Kevin Clifton) is haunted. Particularly, the room where their baby daughter Phoebe sleeps. This ghost always appears at 2:22 in the morning.

Sam’s University friend Lauren (Shvorne Marks) and her working-class boyfriend Ben (Grant Kilburn) have come round for dinner. While Alexa plays the dinner party playlists and the wine is drunk, the conflicts between the characters start to show themselves. They argue whether ghosts exist, but there is also an undercurrent of class conflict.

Actor friends of mine have taken umbrage at what they see as stunt casting of what they see as non-actors in Dooley and Clifton. However, they both gave extremely dynamic performances that may have lacked the subtlety more experienced actors could have brought to the roles, but I don’t think these characters necessarily need depth and nuance.

As Jenny, Stacey brought out the brittle and fragile nature of the character. This is a woman at the end of her tether, fearful of what might happen to her daughter. Sam has taught her to be less superstitious and more analytical and logical. However, her religious upbringing is still within her, and Dooley admirably conveyed this inner conflict.

I thought Kevin could have been more pompous as Sam. This is a man who always believes he is right. Also, the timing was not always there with some of the jokes. There was plenty of energy in his performance, and, unsurprisingly, there was excellent chemistry with his wife, in real life, Stacey.

Shvorne Marks gave Lauren vitality and spirit. She had an impish charisma that was at times playful, but she was also able to show the darker, more tragic side of the character.

I particularly enjoyed Grant Kilburn as Ben. Most of the time, he is the comic foil, who is the butt of Sam’s jokes. Whilst he is slightly gauche and feels awkward at this middle-class dinner party, there is, though, an inner assurance. As the play goes on, he gains in confidence and can tell Sam exactly what he thinks of him.

Ultimately, this is a ghost play and should be judged on how scary it is. I can tell you it had me jumping out of my seat numerous times. I heartily recommend it as it is fun, spooky and also, strangely moving (and not in a poltergeisty type of way).

It continues at the Opera House until 16th August – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/2-22-a-ghost-story/opera-house-manchester/ It will then continue to tour the UK this year and in 2026.

Reviewer: Adam Williams

Reviewed: 13^th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: