2:22 A Ghost Story at Mayflower Theatre is chillingly good

The acclaimed West End production of 2:22 A Ghost Story has arrived in Southampton, promising an experience packed with tension and heart-stopping jump scares that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The play stars documentary presenter Stacey Dooley and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton, both of whom deliver compelling performances that draw the audience into the unsettling world of Jenny and Sam.

Jenny is convinced that their new house is haunted, plagued by unexplainable noises and strange occurrences, but her sceptical husband Sam refuses to believe in anything that cannot be proven by science.  

Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley star in 2:22 A Ghost Story (Image: Helen Murray)

Their opposing viewpoints create a simmering tension, which is only heightened when they are joined by their dinner guests, Lauren and her new partner Ben. As the night wears on and the clock ticks towards 2:22am, debate gives way to fear, and the lines between rationality and superstition begin to blur.

I'll admit it, I had previously seen Stacey Dooley in this role in the West End last summer, so I went into 2:22 A Ghost Story knowing the outcome, yet I found myself just as unnerved and startled as before. Every well-timed screech and shadowy movement is a testament to the production’s expertly crafted suspense.

Dooley excels as Jenny, a mother fiercely protective of her daughter and driven to the brink by her ghostly experiences. Her vulnerability and determination resonate with the audience, anchoring the play’s supernatural elements in real human emotion.  While she is not known for her acting, her performance here cements her as the star of the show.

Kevin Clifton, meanwhile, brings a dynamic energy to the role of Sam. His confident, sometimes arrogant, belief in logic and evidence creates a fascinating contrast to Jenny’s mounting terror.

Complementing the leads are Grant Kilburn and Shvorne Marks, who provide much-needed comic relief amid the tension, ensuring the play never feels too heavy or one-note. 

There are a handful of changes from the West End version, but the essence of the story remains intact. I enjoyed looking for clues I’d overlooked previously and watching my friend wrestle with the mystery in real time. The cast is every bit as strong, if not stronger, than the ensemble I saw in 2024, with each actor contributing to the suspenseful atmosphere. 

The production’s greatest strength, however, lies in its ability to keep its secrets, so no spoilers here. But, the nail-biting tension is well worth the pay-off, and 2:22 is a must-see.