2:22 A GHOST STORY: No Spoilers!
Disclaimer, I absolutely love a good ghost story, and this one is a corker. A real, almost old fashioned chiller, with a few shocks for those who like to jump out of their seat, but a real clever premise for those who prefer for their mind to be intrigued. 2:22 A GHOST STORY, which opened at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night, has been a real word of mouth hit, another play that, like The Mousetrap, swears its audience to secrecy, so you wont find any spoilers here. What I will say is that, if you want a ghostly mystery that will make you think, with an ending that is as heartbreaking as it is clever, you are in the right place. 2.22 confirms what we already knew, that Danny Robins is a supernatural genius!

Credit and copyright: Helen Murray
www.helenmurrayphotos.com
Jenny is a young mum, alone with her young baby in her new house whilst her husband is working away on the Isle of Sark. At 2.22 each night, for four nights running, she hears footsteps overhead in her baby’s room, and a mournful man’s crying. She is no believer in ghosts, but cannot explain any of this logically. When husband Sam returns from Sark they host a small dinner party for close friend Lauren and her new boyfriend, the down to earth bathroom fitter Ben. There, Jenny proceeds to tell them of the occurrings, with Ben and Lauren open to the idea that there is something, or someone in the house. Logical, scientific Sam refuses to believe, so Jenny insists they must all stay in the house until 2.22, so they can all hear what she heard. Will Jenny being proved to be telling the truth, and what will be the cause of the haunting?

All the action is set in one large, open plan room, and yet it feels very claustrophobic at times, which helps to raise the tension. Modern technology like the Alexa, is used to comic effect at first, but becomes increasingly eerie, whilst the sounds that are attributed to foxes are used well to make you jump just when you are feeling comfortable and complacent. There is also the use of shadows on the hated patio doors and thunder that adds to a feeling of unease.

Helen Murray
This play is a four hander and the cast is excellent. Shivone Marks is stunning as Jenny, getting angrier and more passionate as Sam refuses to even consider her story. James Bye as Sam should be the voice of reason, but instead he becomes more complex, slightly superior, almost misogynistic and always, always right. It is a commanding performance. Natalie Casey as the glamorous but possibly alcoholic Lauren is also very good, bringing Lauren’s hurt and vulnerability to the fore. My fave performance is Grant Kilburn as the down to earth Ben, bringing not only the touch of humour that the story needs, he also adds the heart, as the only character that is genuinely likeable. Together, the four principals make a formidable team.
2.22 A Ghost Story is superior supernatural thriller which keeps you on edge until the very last minute…at 2.22 of course.
2:22: A GHOST STORY
Tues 19–Sat 23 May
Limited tickets available at Wolves Grand


