2:22 A Ghost Story at Gielgud Theatre

Following a hugely successful run this summer at the Noël Coward theatre, the unnerving, spectral thriller, 2:2 A Ghost Story makes a highly anticipated return to the beautifully restored Gielgud theatre – marking this season with a brand new stellar cast. 

With red neon lights, fornicating foxes and high-pitched screams startling viewers from the get-go, we soon learn Sam (Elliot Cowan) Jenny (Giovanna Fletcher) and their baby daughter, Phoebe, have recently moved into a house they’re in the process of refurbishing. It’s a renovator’s dream, with intricate set design from Anna Fleischle offering up an eerie coven of peeling wallpaper and abandoned, ghostly vibes. 

Jenny is alone, painting the lounge while Sam is away on a short business trip. The luminous ticking clock on the wall reaches 2:22 and unexpected muffled sobs and footsteps can be heard: the same thing Jenny hears alone every night. Upon Sam’s return, the couple invite their friend, Lauren (Stephanie Beatriz), and her new man, Ben (James Buckley), for a casual dinner party. With a steady supply of wine, tensions run high when the incompatible foursome start discussing their conflicting views on religion, work ethics and the idea of paranormal activity in the new house.  

Fletcher pairs well with Cowan as his downtrodden wife. Her ability to exude a genuine sense of anxiety about their new home makes her brilliantly believable, especially as her fear ramps up over the course of the evening. Cowan plays the patronising and antagonistic husband superbly, while Buckley’s brilliant comedic interludes bring light relief to an otherwise strained evening.

2:2 A Ghost Story is not horrific or gory but the murmurs of spine-tingling fear and hair-raising jolts make it a standout piece of theatre from the award-winning writer, Danny Robins. An unforeseen twist brings the show to a close, and we are left not only scared but rather heartbroken too. 

Ezelle Alblas
Photo: Helen Murray

2:22 A Ghost Story is at Gielgud Theatre from 4^th December until 12^th February 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.