Do ghosts really exist? There is no scientific evidence but many people believe in ghosts and some have even had personal experiences of seeing ghosts. Can these experiences be explained?
The play 2.22 A Ghost Story at the Sunderland Empire this week questions this. This is a modern day ghost story written by Danny Robins and directed by Matthew Dunster. The writer Danny Robins is the creator of the hit BBC paranormal podcast Uncanny. It boasts seven West End seasons and a record breaking UK and Ireland tour plus international productions. It was the winner of Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2021.
The action of the play takes place in the home of, real life and stage couple, Jenny (Stacey Dooley) and Sam (Kevin Clifton). They are entertaining dinner guests Lauren (Shvorne Marks) and Ben (Grant Kilburn). They have recently moved into their home with their new baby and are in the process of modernising it.
This is clearly shown by the set designer Anna Fleischle. The set has a cold, unfinished feel which reflects two different eras. One noticeable feature being the different style of light fittings in the lounge area and the new extension in the kitchen area. The back wall shows a large modern window leading to a patio area. This area often becomes a focal point throughout the evening with stark lighting changes and a place to escape for the characters from the tensions of the evening.
During their pre-dinner conversations Jenny reveals that she thinks the house is haunted as strange things have recently been happening at the same time – 2.22am. Sam, her physicist husband, disagrees and so the arguments begin. These arguments and counter arguments are the driving force behind the play. The dynamics and differences between the four characters is impressive.
The pre curtain music is extremely loud and gives an uncomfortable start to the evening. There are few jump scare moments sprinkled throughout the play. Some unsettling sounds from the baby monitor together with foxes crying out creates tension and an unnerving atmosphere. The use of lighting changes (Lucy Carter) and sound (Ian Dickinson for Autograph) cleverly creates the scare moments. There is also a prominent digital clock counting down to the spooking hour of 2.22 when strange happenings are said to occur.
The arguments between belief and scepticism are the main thrust of the play. As the play progresses a strange and unsettling feeling is felt and the characters decide to stay up until 2.22am in the hope of knowing what exactly is happening. If it happens? Who knows?
Dooley gives a competent performance as the distraught, frustrated and clearly frightened wife but her diction at times was not always clear. Clifton portrays his character well as a cynic and struts around the stage arrogantly which comes across as very uncaring towards his wife. A bit too over the top at times.
Shvorne Marks as Lauren portrays her complex character well. Her differing interactions between herself and each of the other characters clearly shows different sides to her character. Grant Kilburn as Ben brings a brash, comedic element to his performance and often lightens the tension. This small cast work well together and each character is clearly seen.
Throughout this cleverly written play several clues are woven into the storyline as to the reason for the spooky happenings at the ominous hour of 2.22. Will you spot them one wonders? The final twist to the story is executed well and brought audible gasps to tonight’s audience. This reviewer won’t spoil this clever twist for you but a visit to the theatre this week will reveal all. An enjoyable piece of theatre for both the believers and the sceptics.
Runs until 13th September 2025, before continuing on tour
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The Reviews Hub Score8
