I love a good ghost story. The suspense, twists, and horror are incomparable when the story is captivating. ‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’ certainly delivered the right amount of suspense, leaving the entire audience speechless with its unexpected twist.
Running for nearly two years, this critically acclaimed play, written by Danny Robins, boasts an impressive cast of household names. The story unfolds in a newly purchased house in Walthamstow, where Jenny (Jamie Winstone) and Sam (Clifford Samuel), new parents, invite their old friend Lauren (Sophia Bush) and her new boyfriend Ben (Ricky Champ) for dinner.
“If you’re in the mood for suspense and want to uncover what really happens at 2:22 am, I recommend giving this play a watch”.
As the night progresses, Jenny reveals her belief that the house is haunted, leading to unexplainable activities that test their sanity and relationships. The play concludes with a mind-blowing twist that they ask the audience not to reveal. Just like Trapstars’ slogan, projected on the walls at the end they say: “shhh… it’s a secret.”
Set in a beautifully designed open-plan kitchen and living room, the set by Anna Fleischle perfectly captures the essence of a haunted home. The combination of old, ripped wallpaper and unfinished white paint, along with a striking glass double door, creates an eerie atmosphere that keeps you on edge. The attention-grabbing digital clocks ticking away the time until 2:22am add an element of anticipation.
Lucy Carter’s lighting design adds to the overall sense of unease and sets a haunting ambience throughout the play. From moments of complete darkness to the bold red glow around the stage, Carter’s lighting choices enhance the fear factor for the entire audience.
2:22 – A Ghost Story’ delivers an entertaining and thrilling experience that will leave you shocked and jumping in your seat’
What I liked about ‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’ is its ability to intertwine supernatural elements with relatable themes of modern-day life. From the impact of gentrification to material strain, the play explores various thought-provoking subjects that resonate with the audience. It reminds us that behind the façade of social media, life is far from perfect, and things are not always what they seem.
While the play has many positive aspects, it also had a few disappointments. The acting performances, though good for some cast members, fell short for others. The rushed dialogue and over-the-top acting from a few actors hindered my ability to fully believe in their characters and feel genuinely scared by the unfolding events. While the play may attract audiences with its star-studded cast, I believe prioritising professionally trained actors would elevate the overall performance.
With only four actors on stage, the weak acting became more noticeable, which was a pity considering the play’s potential.
Overall, ‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’ delivers an entertaining and thrilling experience that will leave you shocked and jumping in your seat. If you’re in the mood for suspense and want to uncover what really happens at 2:22 am, I recommend giving this play a watch.
