Having taken the West End by storm (and partly triggering the events/name of Lily Allen’s scathing 2025 album), 2:22 — A Ghost Story is now embarking on its regional run across the U.K. Currently at Bromley’s cinema-esque Churchill Theatre, this supernatural play is a fun, campy horror, grounded by some strong performances and an engaging plot, writes Melina Block.
Shows which hinge on a major, final act twist can often feel lazy, relying on some contrived shock to win over the audience before they leave. Admittedly, I feared this could be the case for 2:22 — A Ghost Story; but I was pleasantly surprised that even after correctly guessing what the twist would be halfway through, I was still actually invested in watching how the events would unfold and what fate would await each character.
Grant Kilburn is a standout as Ben, the new builder boyfriend of Natalie Casey’s Lauren. Having previously starred in the show’s original West End run, Kilburn is clearly the most at home in his role, proving a surprisingly warm-hearted foil to the other, more tightly wound characters. Main couple Shvorne Marks and Eastenders actor James Bye get more confident in their parts as bickering new parents, Jenny and Sam, towards the second act. Although, most improved from first to latter half of the show is definitely Casey as free-spirited best friend Lauren, who despite spending most of the opening act seeming strangely disconnected to characters we are meant to believe are her closest circle, comes into her own in act 2, especially opposite Bye.
An easy-to-watch thriller that is best enjoyed alongside someone else (if only so you can gloat on the way home that, obviously, you so saw that ending coming), the regional run of 2:22 – A Ghost Story proves why it’s hooked audiences of all different ages, interests, and backgrounds.
Booking and tour details: https://222aghoststory.com/uk-tour-tickets/
