2:22 A Ghost Story – The Festival Theatre, Malvern

Are ghosts real? Or do the laws of thermodynamics explain it all away? Are you a believer in the supernatural or sceptical of its very existence? This is a debate that has been ongoing for centuries, and Danny Robins’ tense and gripping horror play, 2:22 A Ghost Story, reopens the debate for a new audience.

The writing is superb. Robins’ story is a great concept and a vision that is executed quite brilliantly. Throughout the performance, the tension grows and grows, leading to a tipping point where tension turns into emotion and drama before it all comes to a shocking and unexpected climax. But it’s not just tension and frights, the play is full of humour, deep emotional moments of longing and love, and even a little social commentary on life in London. The first act, though great at setting the scene and building the suspense in the auditorium, nevertheless lacks the level of punch and entertainment that is found in the second act, which delivers non-stop excitement with arguments, confessions, and revelations that send shivers up the spine or leave the audience stunned with more questions still unanswered.

The entire performance takes place in a single room, the open-plan combined living room, dining room, and kitchen of a large London house. But despite it being a single room, the set designed by Anna Fleischle is very effective and frankly very cool. It is filled with small details and things that the characters can interact with and draw the audience’s attention to. Each part of the space is so well-thought-out and positioned that it feels like it could be its own separate set. From the sofa to the dining table to the large glass doors that lead to the shed, each of these could have served as its own unique setting, but instead blend together seamlessly and give the cast ample space to perform. Supporting the set design is equally effective sound and lighting masterminded by Lucy Carter and Ian Dickinson, respectively; their more niche additions to the set aid in the overall atmosphere that is created throughout, including the ever-present Alexa, who helps control the lights and the soundtrack to the evening.

Holding the audience on the edge of its seat is a key component of this performance so that we never feel truly comfortable or focused on catching every detail. Some of the methods used to build the tension of the room and keep the audience on their toes feel a little gimmicky or like a cheap trick: loud noises and flashing lights just for the audience add shock value but little actual value to the story, whereas the sudden clap of thunder and the flickering of lights that make the characters jump at the same time as the audience truly work to build the suspense and raise the heart rates of all present.

The cast of this show is small but perfectly balanced. Each member is an integral part of the story, bringing a different perspective to the overall debate that rages throughout the performance about the existence of ghosts. First is Jenny, played by Stacey Dooley, who reveals to her guests that she believes their house is haunted and that she has been visited by a ghost. Then there is her husband, the scientifically-minded and highly intellectual Sam, played by Kevin Clifton; he is a sceptic through and through, always seeking the logical conclusion. Joining them for a dinner party and a debate about the supernatural are Lauren (Shvorne Marks) and her new boyfriend, Ben (Grant Kilburn). Sam’s old friend from university, Lauren, is an intellectual in her own right, but one who is open to the idea of the supernatural. Finally, there is Ben, a true believer in the supernatural. Each character employs their own level of intellect and previous experiences to embody a unique position in the debate making it feel all the more realistic and engaging and, in the audience, there inevitably would be those who were on Sam’s side but also many who, if the situation were real, would have backed Lauren and wanted to believe in something more than just a logical conclusion.

The standout performer is Stacey Dooley. Her early admissions make her vulnerable and emotional, her determination to be proved right makes her seem strong and courageous, and this mixture creates a riveting leading actor for the story to revolve around. The rest of the cast support her well in this endeavour, each bringing their own charm to the performance, but her emotional displays and at times fierce attitude leave the strongest impression on the mind.

Overall, 2:22 A Ghost Story truly lives up to its name, a modern take on the classic spooky tale of ghosts and the supernatural. A real adventure into the things that go bump in the night, that keeps the audience enthralled and asking what would happen next with a shocking twist at the end that needs to be seen to be understood. But remember ‘shh! Don’t tell anyone!’