★★★★☆
Are ghosts real? And if they are real, why can’t we see them? 2:22 A Ghost Story is a delightfully eerie delve into the questions around the presence of the paranormal, with a spook factor that leaves you second guessing your own beliefs!
When 2:22 was at The Lowry in October last year, I was disappointed that I didn’t manage to see it – especially after JaDar’s positive review – and I have been eagerly awaiting it’s return to Salford ever since. As a fan of classic horror and thriller, I was intrigued to find out for myself whether Danny Robins’ storytelling lives up to its reputation – and to discover what the infamous twist was!
We join our four characters, Jenny (Fiona Wade), Sam (George Rainsford), Ben (Jay McGuiness) and Lauren (Vera Chok) at a dinner party taking place at Jenny and Sam’s new home. It isn’t long before Jenny reveals that she believes the house to be haunted, with her physicist husband Sam explaining (or should I say, mansplaining) that a ghost in the house would be impossible.
The story plays out within the living room, somewhere the audience can very easily place themselves, which only adds to the suspense. The stripped-back set ensures full attention is given to the characters, and the audience are invited to immerse themselves in the story.
The unsettling sound of the baby stirring through the monitor, the screeching foxes outside and the growing tension (and volume!) between the characters all assist in creating the ideal atmosphere for a ghost story. I was ready and waiting to be spooked.
The vast majority of the dialogue is centred around the sceptics vs believers debate, which at times felt a little bulky and drawn out. However, my attention remained captivated by the clever use of light and sound to create genuinely scare-worthy moments. I caught myself gasping more than once or twice. Compliments are very much due to Lucy Carter (Lighting Designer), Ian Dickinson (Sound Designer) and Chris Fisher/Will Houstoun (Illusions).
The standout performance for me was Jay McGuinness as Ben, Lauren’s cockney builder boyfriend. He brought reems of energy to the role and his comedic timing was impeccable. Who would’ve thought a ghost story would be laugh out loud funny! His presence as an “outsider” helps to peel back the layers of the relationships between the characters as the audience learn that there may be more to this marriage (and the friendships!) than meets the eye.
The suspense continues to build throughout the story, assisted by the ominous digital clock counting down to the haunting hour, 2:22. As the time approached, I felt that the tension was sometimes interrupted by what felt like a shouting match between the characters. I found myself thinking that a few quieter, eerier moments would have been welcomed. No one can deny that the ending, which reveals the plot twist, is brilliantly executed and spine tinglingly spooky. I certainly did not see it coming and it was this that solidified 2:22 for me as the best ghost story I have seen onstage to date. I sat down in the audience with big expectations, and they were met.
And what is the twist, you ask? I couldn’t possibly tell – sworn to secrecy like all past and future audience members. You will have to go and find out for yourselves – and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
2:22 A Ghost Story runs at the Lowry (Lyric Theatre) until June 15 – the final stop of its UK tour.
Photo: Johan Persson
JADAR 