2:22 – Theatre Royal, Plymouth

Writer: Danny Robins

Director: Matthew Dunster and Isabel Marr

Danny Robins’ West End debut, 2:22, has embarked on its first UK Tour. After having been hosted by no less than six different theatres in London, since its world premiere in 2021, this production has become a global phenomenon. It’s been particularly popular with those looking for their next thrill, notably fans of the world-famous The Woman in Black. 2:22 has been well received by audiences, nominated for a number of Olivier Awards and has recently premiered in the United States – ultimately, it’s going from strength to strength. The critics however, have not always been as kind.

A hair-raising opener assaults the audience, fixes them bolt upright in their seats and then throws them forward in time by roughly eighteen hours. The play is set in an open-plan living and dining space in a gentrified suburb. Every part of the house’s history is slowly being stripped by the new residents and the renovation is part-way through. The décor is stereotypical of the owners’ social group. You can picture it now, the blue shaker-style kitchen, large black sliding windows and modern skylights all scream modern, upper middle-class, 21^st century living. Two couples, one married and the other recently formed, sit around a dining table eating a home-cooked meal whilst laughing and swapping stories. Lauren’s new boyfriend, Ben (Joe Absolom) is the only real misfit of the group. As a local lad, a builder by trade, he knows a thing or two about the local area and some of the ghostly goings-on in the vicinity. When Jenny’s wits are strung out she confesses the haunting experience that has occurred for four nights running, at exactly 2:22. In the hope of being taken seriously, Jenny asks Ben and Lauren to stay until the fateful hour.

Having struck a good balance between humour, casual conversation and heated discussion, Robins’ script builds tension without needing to draw too heavily on cheap shocks. The audience wait in desperate anticipation as the two digital clocks tick towards the climax. The cast deliver these lines well and the evening unfolds rather authentically, even if Lauren’s (Charlene Boyd) American accent is inconsistent and grating. Working in impressive collaboration was the sound and light of the production, designed by Ian Dickinson (for Autograph) and Lucy Carter respectively. Particularly, notable was the way in which the stage was framed and the scenes interspersed. To explain how this is done, would only serve to ruin the surprise.

Without a doubt, Louisa Lytton is a class act. As the narrative unfolds and the increasingly uncomfortable nature of her situation is revealed, her portrayal of Jenny is more than believable – it’s authentic. The fear she feels is palpable and is conveyed with real precision. Joe Absolom is equally striking in the role of Ben; his unassuming, down-to-earth and open-minded nature is captured perfectly. Although Robins’ intentions aren’t clear as to whether the audience should like or dislike him, the latter seems entirely impossible. Nathaniel Curtis, most famous for his leading role in Channel 4’s It’s a Sin, depicts Sam superbly; he is entirely unpalatable, obnoxious and arrogant in equal measure. All told, the cast are remarkable and really bring this production to life.

Without a doubt, 2:22 is one to watch. Don’t be behind the curve on this one, catch it whilst you can.

Runs until: Saturday 2^nd December 2023