Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 25th October 2025
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
4****
This production is not so much a ghost story but poses a question; ‘do you believe in ghosts?
Jenny, a new Mum who has recently moved into a new home with her husband Sam, believes that her house is frequented by a ghost; possibly that of a previous owner. Determined to discover the cause of mysterious noises in the night, Jenny persuades her dinner guests Lauren and Ben to wait with her until the allotted time of 2:22 to bear witness to whatever she uncovers. A committed realist, Sam is not so easily persuaded but eventually relents and joins the debate; do ghosts exist or are they something derived from our need to explain everything or console ourselves.
The dinner party debate we bear witness to is full of tension and ridicule. Unexplained events throughout the evening fuel the debate, providing plenty of opportunity for Sam to suggest that ‘believers’ are deluded.
In her stage debut, playing the role of Jenny, Stacey Dooley has pitched her performance perfectly to capture the essence of someone who is open to the idea of visitations but does not want to be labelled ‘crazy’. Kevin Clifton nails the role of Sam; someone who has a sense of superiority and can’t wait to prove everyone else wrong (aka deluded).
Ben and Lauren, played by Grant Kilburn and Shvorne Marks bring the lighter touches to the production, often providing the interludes needed to breathe more easily, enjoy laughter and formulate your ideas.
The production itself is designed to build tension for the audience; a clock that is ever present and building up to the ultimate moment of 2:22; soundtracks that pull you in and prime you for the inevitable twists and turns. Blackouts, bright lighting and scare fest type events evoke starts and screams for anyone who is slightly sensitive and absorbed in the task of unearthing exactly what has been going on at 2:22 every night.
If you get the chance to try and solve the mystery for yourself and are open to debate about whether it’s possible that ghosts exist, take it. You are bound to strike up your own debate on the way home.