Written by Bethan for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

After a long and lucrative life in the West End and on tour, Danny Robins’ supernatural thriller arrives in Richmond with strong performances and familiar frights.

Few new plays of the past decade have enjoyed the staying power of 2:22 A Ghost Story. Since opening in the West End in 2021, Danny Robins’ paranormal thriller has become a commercial juggernaut, regularly refreshed with new casts and now firmly embedded on the touring circuit. Its latest stop at Richmond Theatre proves that, even several iterations in, the show still knows how to hold an audience — if not entirely surprise one.

The story begins with a dinner party that quickly becomes a battleground of belief. New parents Jenny and Sam invite Lauren, an old friend, and her new partner Ben to their home. As the wine flows, Jenny reveals her conviction that the house is haunted, plagued by nightly disturbances that peak at the now-infamous 2:22am. Sam, resolutely sceptical, insists there must be a logical explanation. What follows is a debate about faith, fear and perception, punctuated by personal tensions and the creeping suggestion that something is very wrong.

The structure remains effective, even if the plot beats feel increasingly familiar. For seasoned theatregoers (or anyone vaguely aware of the play’s reputation) the central twist is unlikely to come as a shock, and can be spotted well in advance. Robins’ script aims to straddle comedy and horror, but never quite tips fully into either: the humour is light rather than laugh-out-loud, and the scares are more suggestive than genuinely chilling. At times, the narrative risks feeling a little thin, yet the momentum is maintained well enough to keep the audience invested until the final reveal.

Visually, the production is sleek and confident. A particularly effective touch is the use of red lighting during scene changes, washing the stage in an ominous glow that sustains tension and subtly unsettles the audience. It’s a simple device, but one that works hard to keep the atmosphere taut.

The cast elevates the material considerably. James Bye brings an easy authority to Sam, ensuring the character’s scepticism feels grounded rather than dismissive. Shvorne Marks is the standout as Jenny, delivering a performance of striking control and emotional truth. Her growing unease and desperation are handled with precision, making her utterly compelling to watch.

Grant Kilburn also impresses as Ben, finding warmth and vulnerability in a role that could easily fade into the background. His performance lends real heart to the evening, eliciting genuine sympathy for a character caught between charm and insecurity. Natalie Casey’s Lauren injects energy and confidence into the group dynamic, though the character’s accent occasionally feels unnecessary and slightly forced. That said, Casey brings a clear sense of presence and professionalism to the role, ensuring Lauren remains engaging throughout.

While 2:22 A Ghost Story may no longer feel as sharp or surprising as it once did, this Richmond outing confirms why it continues to draw crowds. Strong performances, a polished production and a reliably tense atmosphere make for an enjoyable evening — not quite scary enough to linger, but entertaining enough to recommend.

Plays at Richmond Theatre until 07 Feb as part of a UK tour which concludes on 04 July.

★★★

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