I’ll be honest, I don’t usually jump at the idea of seeing something that might make me spill my theatre wine.
But when 2:22 – A Ghost Story came to the Richmond Theatre, my curiosity (and my love for all things spooky) got the better of me.
After all, this play has had quite a run - five West End transfers, a revolving door of celebs like Lily Allen, Cheryl Cole and Tom Felton, and a title that basically screams “you’re not sleeping tonight.”
The Richmond Theatre itself felt like the perfect place to meet a few ghosts – old, beautiful, with that creaky charm that almost dares something supernatural to show up.
This touring cast includes James Bye (EastEnders’ very own Martin Fowler), Natalie Casey (2 Pints of Lager), Grant Kilburn and Shvorne Marks - all serving tension, humour and the occasional scream.
Written by Danny Robins - the same mind behind Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist - you can tell straight away he knows how to make you squirm while laughing about it.
Each half runs at around 50 minutes with a 20-minute interval (perfect for a second drink or debating whether you’d stay in a haunted house).
The setup is simple - a dinner party with friends, a clock that seems to always hover on 2.22am, and plenty of strange noises in the night - but the tension builds without ever feeling predictable.
And just when I’d start to relax, it got me. Every. Single. Time.
What surprised me most was how funny it was.
The dialogue snaps between comedy and foreboding like a ping-pong match between fear and laughter.
You genuinely start to care about the characters – and watching the relationships unravel is just as gripping as the ghostly goings-on.
James Bye’s character is the sceptic - the one who doesn’t believe a word and has a “logical” explanation for absolutely everything.
Every time he rolled his eyes or dismissed something spooky, I wanted to shout at him… which, in theatre terms, is a compliment.
He made the tension feel real because you could see how much he was resisting it, and you couldn’t help but get invested.
Shvorne Marks, meanwhile, was the undeniable star of the show.
She balanced fear, humour, and emotional depth with such ease that you were completely drawn into her world.
Grant Kilburn and Natalie Casey were the funniest parts of the night.
Their interactions, quips, and perfectly delivered reactions provided welcome comic relief without undercutting the tension.
The way they bounced off each other, and the others, made the dinner party feel real, chaotic, and incredibly watchable.
I left Richmond Theatre slightly jumpy but thoroughly impressed.
It’s one of those plays that lingers in your mind on the train home, especially if your carriage is a bit too quiet.
If you love horror but also appreciate a cheeky laugh and some top-tier acting, 2:22 – A Ghost Story is an absolute must-see.
Just maybe skip the wine if you’re easily startled.
2:22 – A Ghost Story runs at Richmond Theatre until February 7.
Share