2:22 : A Ghost Story – A thrilling, spooky piece of art!

This week ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’ is at Manchester’s Opera house.

Now, first thoughts are that you don’t actually see a lot of ‘Horror’ theatre, or anything paranormal or spooky, very often so this really had my interest very early. This show had some very big twists so I’m going to do my best to not spoil this show, the lights at the end where very clear about ‘shhh… don’t tell!’. The story followed a young couple Sam and Jenny, who just moved into a big flat to start a real family life with their new baby, however while on her own, Jenny begins to hear things coming from baby’s room at 2:22 every night. The story develops over a dinner party between the two and some friends, Ben and Lauren, before the paranormal communication sets in and the show hits us with such an unseen twist!

The first thing about this show that needs to be applauded is the production value itself. A beautiful set that really sets the whole feeling of the flat and even the couples relationship early on, couples with these electric red lights on the rim on the stage for scene changes was such a unique idea and, without better ways of explaining it, was so cool! Within the scene changes, the stage is in darkness and you eye is drawn to the digital clock, forever counting to 2:22 – just so clever! Then the sound, now then. If you are lucky enough to see this show, don’t take a drink just before a scene ends! Those pesky ‘foxes’ outside the flat meet every blackout with an unholy loud scream, definitely jumpscares that, once you get over them, are enjoyable and will make you nervously giggle! Hats off too all the production team for what is such a perfectly assembled bit of theatre.

Onto this stellar cast. Kevin Clifton, Ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional, played the role of Sam. A well-educated, slightly condescending, new dad who wants only the best for those around him but does not realise the harm he can cause. Clifton was ace, really bringing the attitude to this role as well as keeping hold of the affection for his wife. The further the show develops and he loses a grip on HIS reality, is when Clifton’s performance really shines. A great performance. Jenny, his wife, played by Stacey Dooley, was the polar opposite. From a different walk of life to her husband and so open to the world, believing in the ghost she is hearing despite her husband forcing the issue to be false. Her desperation really came through and was nicely coupled with her dry sense of comedy which was loved by the audience. Her final realisation in the play made the hairs on my neck stand up – just brilliant!

Shvorne Marks – playing Sam’s old friend Lauren. Marks brought a much needed sense of comedy into this play, as well as developing the story of not only her own relationship with Ben, but adding a jarring aspect to Sam and Jenny’s. Marks presence in this production was wonderful and I will be waiting for the nest time I have the pleasure of seeing her!

Then, for me, this lad is the star of this, Ben. Played by Grant Kilburn, this character starts off as the comic relief and as the show goes on, grows more and more into arguably the most important character in the entire piece. The way he conducts himself as the likeable and easy-going lad at the start, to moving into the stories of his childhood and past experiences with ghosts. His energy could turn on a sixpence and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. This word is always subjective, but Kilburn was perfect in this role!

2:22 had the audience gripped from the very first second and that is exactly what is needed for something of this style. Every cast member was on point and the directorship of Matthew Dunster make this a must see. This is only on for until the 16th August so you do not have long to get your hands on tickets. You can grab them from  https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/2-22-a-ghost-story/opera-house-manchester/