2:22 A Ghost Story – Sheffield Lyceum

A ghostly entertaining, slick mind game of a production!

With a sense of apprehension – due to a very active imagination – I convinced myself to review 2:22 A ghost Story on its opening night at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre, and I survived the evening stunned but unscathed! Written by Danny Robins, the seven seasoned West End phenomenon which premiered in 2021 and went on to tour the UK and Ireland, has been seen in over thirty worldwide productions. I have to immediately note, that it is the writing by Robins that highly impressed me. The theatrical thriller is the near perfect exploration of doubt, belief and theories surrounding the controversial topic of Ghosts. It allows you to question your beliefs, your scepticism and learn some new theories to explain away the spirit world. All the above is laced with laugh out loud humour, scathing sarcasm and witticisms aplenty creating an educative and engrossing dialogue of human relationships and their beliefs.

The set by Anna Fleischle is semi naturalistic and we are thrust into a familiar open plan home setting. Recently bought and being in the process of updating, the set of the living area feels comforting yet not altogether homely. Maybe it’s the red light of the countdown clock on the wall? Or the baby monitor? Or the gaping new patio doors with no window dressings? Or the automatic outside light that starkly bursts into light when the local skulk of foxes start their Vixen Scream. But most definitely it is the tension in the room at the wine fuelled dinner party of four. Jenny, home owner believes her new home is haunted; Sam her spouse, ever the logical, science based thinks there must be a rational explanation. Their guests, long-time friend Lauren, who likes a tipple or two and her new beau Ben, a believer, find themselves amidst the over heated exchanges and out poring relationship issues of both the hosts and their own long buried secrets. Determined to be believed of the haunting Jenny demands they all stay up until 2:22 and hear what she has heard ever night at that time!

If you, like me are of a nervous disposition, be warned there are quite a few ‘jump scares’ from the excellent sound design of Ian Dickenson and Lighting Designer Lucy Carter expertise adds to the effect. These do become a little repetitive, however. 

Directed by Matthew Dunster, the role of Jenny is a masterclass of acting by Shvorne Marks, she is equally skilled as she is aesthetic and her performance is exemplary. Grant Kilburn as Ben is yet another outstanding addition to the cast and is immediately liked by the audience as the everyday man. James Bye as Sam, self-assured and in total control with an outstandingly acute stage presence, perfect in role. But, it is the character of Lauren played by Natalie Casey that feels quite misplaced, the American accent and the overly extreme actions are a little distracting and.. Peculiar. Maybe a directorial decision?

No spoilers. The script takes us to the dinner party, through relationships passed and present, through beliefs and scepticisms, through fear and joy and finally at 2:22 we reach is mind bending twist of an ending. It is that this point we question all we know and believe, all we have seen and assumed and a new door opens.  Masterful scriptwriting.

So, 2:22 A Ghost Story, yes, it does make you jump on occasion but, it is more a ‘thinking’ and ‘questioning’ ghost story than a scary horror type and I thoroughly enjoyed it and not a nightmare in sight! You can witness the entertaining and slick production at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 6^th June 2026, and I would advise you to question everything!

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 1st June 2026

North West End UK Rating: