Jay McGuinness steals the limelight in this well-crafted spookfest with a twist
2:22 A Ghost Story has not only garnered success in London’s West End since its debut in 2021 but has also provided a platform for renowned musicians to showcase their serious acting chops. Initially led by Lily Allen as the main character, the role has seen subsequent versions from the likes of Cheryl Cole and Frankie Bridge. The current UK tour features Jay McGuinness from The Wanted, known for his memorable dance moves on Strictly Come Dancing, stepping into the shoes of Ben, originally portrayed by Jake Wood, another Strictly alumnus.
The play unfolds as a darkly comedic four-hander, revolving around the jittery new mother Jenny (portrayed by Fiona Wade from Emmerdale), her unsympathetic husband Sam (played by George Rainsford from Casualty), and their dinner guests for the evening – Sam’s old university friend Lauren (Hollyoaks’ Vera Chok) and her working-class builder boyfriend Ben.
Jenny, not-so-fresh from spending four anxious nights alone in their newly refurbished house while Sam enjoys a getaway, becomes convinced of ghostly occurrences in her daughter’s room at the same time each night. In a bid to unravel the mystery, the foursome decides to navigate the night, fuelled by drinks, all while the ominous digital clock above the living room door counts down.
The single-stage set is simple yet well-designed, with the baby’s supposedly haunted room remaining unseen, connected only through the sounds of the baby monitor. It’s a well-written, compact drama which rattles along to deadline hour skilfully, dropping enough nuggets to keep the audience unsure if this really is a ghost story or just a complex thriller. The intertwining relationships add depth, making viewers equally invested in the characters’ marital struggles as in the supernatural events.
The cast generally deliver strong performances, with occasional crescendos that, while slightly grating, do not overshadow their overall skill. McGuinness stands out as the most personable, charming the audience with his portrayal of a working-class success story and displaying impeccable comic timing.
The play concludes with an excellent and unexpected twist, while a second viewing would I’m sure highlight the breadcrumbs writer Danny Robins has craftily laid throughout.
Overall, 2:22 A Ghost Story is unlike anything I’ve seen at the theatre for a long time and will keep ghost story fans on edge until its clever conclusion.
