A genuine ghost story: 2:22 returns to Nottingham
Danny Robins' hit ghost story returns to the Theatre Royal with strong performances, interesting philosophical ideas, and enough suspense to keep the audience on edge until the final moments.
Morning briefing Nottingham
Temperature
5° to 15°C
Rain
Dry today
Wind
Gusts 27 mph
Sunset
20:16
Ride details Mixed conditions - some high gusts
Recommended gear
- Gloves
- Light layers
Best times to ride
Windy today
- 06 5°
- 09 9°
- 12 13°
- 15 15°
- 18 14°
- 21 9°
2:22 A Ghost Story has returned to Nottingham and has managed to keep its sense of thrill, high emotion, and drama - even on the second rewatch. It's no wonder this show has traveled the world and is touring the UK once again.
The story takes place during a dinner party where the topic is scepticism vs. belief. Throughout the night, the debate swings both ways, with some genuinely interesting philosophical questions. This works well both as a way to play with these ideas but also as a dramatic device. Every odd thing is explained away... or is it?
Writer Danny Robins has also summoned up some interesting and detailed characters. Each one has a character transformation that may not have happened on the stage, but are all connected in one specific way. Realising why those four people have all ended up in a room together makes this character development all the more captivating.
Last night, all our actors played their parts brilliantly, with passion, energy and clarity. In this touring cast are James Bye (Eastenders), Natalie Casey (2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps), Grant Kilburn (2:22 A Ghost Story) and Shvorne Marks (Three Little Birds). Especially good was Natalie Casey who managed to hold the audience's attention easily and had maybe the most complex character to play. At one point she, for no real reason, busted out some surprisingly limber, punctuating dance moves.
The one distracting choice was an unplaceable American accent, which occasionally pulled attention away from an otherwise strong performance. Casey acted very well tonight - truly taking on the character. However, this reviewer was a bit disappointed not to hear her original northern accent for the evening.
When it comes to ghost stories there is a question that everyone wants answered, from thrill-seekers to cushion-hiders: how scary is it? 2:22 is not going to leave you feeling uneasy for days after the performance. The atmosphere is held tightly in the theatre: a precarious balance on the edge of anticipation and fear as the on-stage clock ticks closer towards 2:22. There are the occasional - maybe too many - auditory jump scares, if that bothers you.
It may not haunt you for days, but for two gripping hours it keeps the audience deliciously on edge.
2:22 A Ghost Story is running until Saturday, 25th April at the Theatre Royal.
Shane P
2:22 is a fantastic pull for the Theatre Royal, aligning with its goal of adding high calibre shows this year. There are also cheaper tickets for under-26s.
