Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Jenny and Sam (James Bye), happily married without disagreement, have invited Sam’s university friend Lauren (Natalie Casey) and her new boyfriend Ben (Grant Kilburn) over for the evening. From an informal light-hearted dinner party there comes quite a turn of events when Jenny mentions she’s been hearing footsteps at 2:22am for the past few evenings. We move from light hearted chatter to a discussion – at times heated debate – around the existence of the paranormal. Whilst Bye draws you in to his likeable character initially, over the evening we see a different side of his character explaining away the very thought of ghosts through the laws of physics.
We are drawn in to an excellent portrayal of an alcoholic American by Casey, who is still in love with her university friend, Sam. Not once leaving character, we emotionally connect with her through the sadness of never finding ‘the one’ whilst watching her jealousy of Jenny play out in front of us.
The familiar sounds of a household created a comfortable backdrop, whether it be a boiling kettle, the clink of a ring on a glass, or to ‘Alexa’ playing a dinner party mix. This being interspersed with squealing foxes in the garden and the overly loud dramatic music, there is much to keep you on edge.
This incredible cast fire off each other, their character’s individual personalities shining through. They cause you to identify with each of them, either personally or a friend or acquaintance. Without giving any spoilers this is a must watch show, which will leave you mulling over the events you have observed well into the night.
2:22 A Ghost Story, written by Danny Robbins, world premiered in 2021. It has seen seven West End seasons, a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour and thirty productions across the world. Was this new touring company going to keep up the highly acclaimed story and performance? With a star-studded cast, an incredible story, and a secret that can’t be shared, you are guaranteed to not be disappointed.
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| James Bye (Sam), Shvorne Marks (Jenny), Natalie Casey (Lauren) and Grant Kilburn (Ben). Photo by Helen Murray. |
The spine tingling drama is set in a mid-thirties house undergoing restoration, where the old meets new with the furnishings, décor and appliances. We meet Jenny (Shvorne Marks) with a paint brush in hand, surrounded by the mess a child brings to a household including the hardwork and tiredness – something the majority of the audience immediately connected with. Whilst Pheobe, her 1 year old, is a large part of the story we don’t ever meet her, bonding with her through her bedroom intercom and toys.
Jenny and Sam (James Bye), happily married without disagreement, have invited Sam’s university friend Lauren (Natalie Casey) and her new boyfriend Ben (Grant Kilburn) over for the evening. From an informal light-hearted dinner party there comes quite a turn of events when Jenny mentions she’s been hearing footsteps at 2:22am for the past few evenings. We move from light hearted chatter to a discussion – at times heated debate – around the existence of the paranormal. Whilst Bye draws you in to his likeable character initially, over the evening we see a different side of his character explaining away the very thought of ghosts through the laws of physics.
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| Grant Kilburn (Ben), Natalie Casey (Lauren) and Shvorne Marks (Jenny). Photo by Helen Murray |
We are drawn in to an excellent portrayal of an alcoholic American by Casey, who is still in love with her university friend, Sam. Not once leaving character, we emotionally connect with her through the sadness of never finding ‘the one’ whilst watching her jealousy of Jenny play out in front of us.
The familiar sounds of a household created a comfortable backdrop, whether it be a boiling kettle, the clink of a ring on a glass, or to ‘Alexa’ playing a dinner party mix. This being interspersed with squealing foxes in the garden and the overly loud dramatic music, there is much to keep you on edge.
This incredible cast fire off each other, their character’s individual personalities shining through. They cause you to identify with each of them, either personally or a friend or acquaintance. Without giving any spoilers this is a must watch show, which will leave you mulling over the events you have observed well into the night.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2:22 A Ghost Story runs at Royal and Derngate in Northampton until Saturday 17th January 2026. Tickets are available from https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/222-a-ghost-story/
The show tours with dates booking until 4th July 2026. You can find full tour dates and information at https://222aghoststory.com/
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| Grant Kilburn (Ben), Natalie Casey (Lauren), Shvorne Marks (Jenny) and James Bye (Sam) Photo by Helen Murray |
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