Since it first hit the stage in 2021, writer Danny Robins’ spooky domestic drama has had critics raving, and audiences jumping in their seats. 2.22: A Ghost Story begins in a large and luscious London home, recently bought by Jenny (Fiona Wade) and Sam (George Rainsford), as a happy haven for them and their new baby.

The house is in the middle of a transformation - they’re moving away from the shabby 70s decor favoured by the previous owner, to become sleek and chic. To top off the picture of marital bliss, the pair are preparing to host a dinner party.

However, the audience does not have long to wait before the scares begin. It’s the middle of the night, and the ever-present clock above the door ticks along. A real sense of unease grew in the auditorium, as the time crept closer to 2.22 - its a genius way to build tension.

It turns out that creepy things have been happening at exactly the same time each night, witnessed only by Jenny. While Sam’s old friend Lauren (Vera Chok) and her partner Ben (Jay McGuiness) are visiting, Jenny implores them to stay until the fated 2.22, to prove that she’s telling the truth.

While there are plenty of jump-scares and creepy moments to keep the audience on their toes, this is not at the expense of the story, which is driven by the characters and their interactions. The tension between Sam and Jenny is palpable - she is adamant there is a ghost in the house, and he refuses to believe her - and both actors do a great job of maintaining the momentum.

Vera Chok as Laura is enigmatic, allowing the character’s complexity to appear slowly, as more wine is drunk. Ben is the ‘odd one out’ - a builder who grew up round the corner, hiding his resentment that the area has become gentrified - made likeable and believable by Jay McGuiness.

One of the secrets to 2.22’s success is that a different cast is assembled each time, meaning that the character-led story feels new and fresh, as the actors bring new life to the roles. The current company does a great job of balancing fear, worry and frustration with much needed comedy moments and lightness throughout the play.

One thing is certain, the audience was buzzing on leaving the theatre. There’s something quite uplifting about sharing a scare with a stranger - after the most unexpected moments, everyone found time to grin or laugh nervously with a neighbour. After nearly three years, 2.22 shows no sign of losing its touch. It’s worth the hype, and definitely worth a watch.

Five Stars

Reviewed by Jessica Clixby at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Tuesday 20 February. 2.22 A Ghost Story continues to show at the venue until Saturday 24 February.