Review: 2:22 A Ghost Story, UK Tour Glasgow 2023

Lisa in the theatre
Nov 22, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Apr 9

2:22 A Ghost Story

Written by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster

Following a series of successful West End runs, award-winning play 2:22 A Ghost Story has arrived in Glasgow on it's first ever UK tour. Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts The Battersea Poltergeist and Uncanny, 2:22 asks not only if we believe in ghosts, but do we believe our friends and partners if they tell us they've seen one.

“There's something in our house. I hear it every night, at the same time"

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up... until 2:22... and then they’ll know..

Nathaniel Curtis and Louisa Lytton in 2:22 A Ghost Story (Danny Robins, UK Tour) Photo: Johan Persson — Nathaniel Curtis and Louisa Lytton in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Photo: Johan Persson

What is 2:22 A Ghost Story about?

Sam (Nathaniel Curtis) and Jenny (Louisa Lytton) are renovating their new home after recently having a baby. They invite old friend Lauren (Charlene Boyd) and her new love-interest Ben (Joe Absolom) over for dinner.

The evening becomes tense when Jenny reveals that she believes their new home to be haunted. What follows is a cleverly written, brilliantly presented spiral from civilised dinner party to a night of conflict, confusion and creepiness.

To say any more would risk spoilers; and you want to go into this play knowing absolutely nothing about it.

Pay attention - There are clues! The story is finely woven, the tension builds, and the pieces are laid out at perfect pace. I was on the edge of my seat all evening, completely absorbed in the story. And now that I know the outcome, I desperately need to go back for a second viewing to see what else I can pick up on.

Nathaniel Curtis, Louisa Lytton, Joe Absolom and Charlene Boyd in 2:22 A Ghost Story (Danny Robins, UK Tour) Photo: Johan Persson

The set is designed well: Sam and Jenny's partly modernised kitchen / dining room is the backdrop for the action, and there are so many props, so many corners and windows, my eyes were constantly moving, waiting for something to crawl out of the shadows.

The simple industrial glass doors at the back of the room become a focus for much of the fear. When the storm begins, and rain and lightning lash the outside of the home - it was so eerie yet so cosy sat in my comfy set at the King’s. A dream scenario!

I believe the West End run of this show is on its 6th, possibly 7th cast, but this is the first UK tour cast, and I was really impressed by them all.

2:22 A Ghost Story is not only thrilling, it's entertaining and thought-provoking too. Yes, there are jump scares and the story is spooky, but there’s nothing too scary in the show. No horror or gore to turn away from. You’re perfectly safe.

Or are you?

Great fun. I can’t wait to see it again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Joe Absolom and Charlene Boyd in 2:22 A Ghost Story (Danny Robins, UK Tour) Photo: Johan Persson — Joe Absolom and Charlene Boyd in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Photo: Johan Persson

Writer Danny Robins said:

‘I’m thrilled with our first cast for the 2:22 A Ghost Story UK tour and can’t wait to see how each actor brings their own distinctive take to the play. It's quite the journey we are on and we look forward to spooking new audiences across the UK. 2:22 is an adrenaline-fuelled experience that gives you the licence to gasp, scream, and yelp!’