Apollo Theatre, London – until 17th September 2023
Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith
3***
Since 2:22 A Ghost Story opened in 2021, there have been six casts in five different theatres. The current iteration includes Frankie Bridge, best known for being in the band The Saturdays, in the role of Lauren. She takes over from Sophia Bush, and what an acting debut it is. 2:22 has been quite the leaping off board for people in entertainment, most notably Laura Whitmore, Cheryl, and now Frankie Bridge.
Danny Robins’ 2:22 A Ghost Story is set in a renovation project in Hackney which has marriage problems, baby problems and ghost problems. Jenny (Jaime Winstone) and Sam (Clifford Samuel) are hosting a dinner party for their friends Lauren (Frankie Bridge) and Ben (Ricky Champ). Sam is a scientist, interested only in facts, Ben is a builder and is interested in everything including the supernatural. As more booze is consumed, and tempers are frayed, we edge closer to 2:22 (there is a huge digital clock on the wall). Still directed by Matthew Dunster, strange things are happening and Jenny is determined to make sceptic Sam see and hear what she has witnessed during the previous nights he has been away. There are jump scares, eerie vibes, and twists and turns around every corner.
Anna Fleischle’s set is that of terraced house with fancy new crittall doors and a new kitchen, but the memory of the house that is was still lingers. Old wallpaper is peeling away, and light fixtures remain. Everything adds to the eerie feeling that someone in that house, or indeed the house itself, is trying to communicate with the inhabitants. Sound design by Ian Dickinson coupled with Lucy Carter’s lighting punctuate the play, rounding out the spooky sense of unease that permeates the theatre. Lights go on and off, and foxes and human screams intermingle making you question what you are witnessing.
For a first time treading the boards, Frankie Bridge seems at ease on the stage, only stumbling over her lines once or twice. There is good chemistry between the cast members, everyone hamming up their roles. Ricky Champ as Ben is particularly good, funny and poignant, and definitely the most likeable character. I guessed the ending, but that did not stop me thoroughly enjoying the whole show. The gasps and disbelief of the people around me when it’s all finally revealed are truly a delight.
2:22 A Ghost Story is really enjoyable, and seems to be staying put in the West End for the foreseeable. If you like a jumpscare, a giggle, and audibly gasping in unison with a theatre full of people, then 2:22 A Ghost Story is just the play for you. It’s a thrilling way to spend a couple of hours.