I recently had the pleasure of watching “2:22 – A Ghost Story,” and I can confidently say it was an enthralling experience that kept me on the edge of my seat. The premise revolves around a woman determined to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences in her home. To prove to her sceptical husband, Sam, that she’s not imagining things, she convinces a couple who came over for a dinner party to stay up until 2:22am to witness the phenomena for themselves.
The show’s pacing is impeccable, making the entire performance feel swift and engaging. One of the standout features is the use of digital clocks, which progressively heighten the tension as they tick closer to the pivotal moment. This clever device not only builds suspense but also drives the narrative forward, constantly reminding the audience of the impending climax.
What surprised me the most was the amount of comedy interwoven into the storyline. Much of this humour comes from Ben, portrayed brilliantly by Jay McGuiness. His performance was a highlight, consistently eliciting laughter with his sharp one-liners and expressive reactions, especially in contrast to the more pretentious Sam. McGuiness’s comedic timing and engaging presence added a delightful layer to the production, making it both thrilling and amusing.
The staging of “2:22” is another triumph. The set is a meticulously detailed representation of an old house undergoing renovation, with subtle nods to its history. While some set elements, like the half-painted walls and missing picture frames, seemed poised to play a more significant role, they ultimately served as atmospheric rather than pivotal details. A minor quibble would be the unrealistic rainbow painting attributed to an 11-month-old, but this did little to detract from the overall immersive experience.
Beyond the central ghost story, the play delves into themes of relationship strain, uncomfortable friendships, social inequalities, regret, loss, and belief. These layers add depth and complexity, making the narrative resonate on multiple levels.
The ending of “2:22” was nothing short of brilliant. Usually adept at predicting plot twists, I was completely taken by surprise. I spent a long time after the show dissecting all the subtle hints and clues, I had missed. This intrigue and the desire to uncover more details make me eager to see the play again.
In conclusion, “2:22 – A Ghost Story” is a captivating show that combines suspense, humour, and thoughtful themes into a thoroughly entertaining package. I highly recommend it and hope to catch it again on another UK tour soon!
2:22 – A Ghost Story continues at The Lowry until 15th June. For tickets and more information please visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/2-22-a-ghost-story-2/
Reviewer: Brian Madden
Reviewed: 4th June 2024
North West End UK Rating: