The thrilling 2:22 – A Ghost Story has returned to Edinburgh, this time playing the large Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 30th May 2026.
This chilling story follows new parents Jenny and Sam, as they face unexplained paranormal phenomena within their recently bought run-down house. When they invite Lauren and her new partner Ben to dinner, the four attempt to unpack the events of the previous nights, all occurring at 2:22am.
James Bye’s portrayal of Sam narrows on projecting toxic masculinity with the way he introjects into conversation and dominates the couple’s way of life. To fuel this, James leans on the middle-class pretentious side of Sam; this makes the obnoxious approach to debunking Jenny’s beliefs flow naturalistically. Shvorne Marks brings great realism to the character of Jenny, even whilst discussing Jenny’s faith and the abnormal circumstances occurring within the family’s house, there is an understated quality which makes the dialogue punch harder, and make the setting of Sam and Jenny’s house seem real. This pair does well to help lead the narrative and be the main instigators of the fear and thrilling tension present within the production.
Grant Kilburn brings a nuanced, and versatile approach to Ben. The character has the risk of leaning into a stereotype of a working-class cockney, but Grant’s portrayal is a commendable pastiche, taking the warmth and humor associated with a Cockney plumber and splicing him with someone knowledgeable in the world of the paranormal. There is a coldness between Grant’s Ben and Natalie Casey’s Lauren; the chemistry is toxic which fits with their unfitting relationship. Natalie Casey’s Lauren is a complex character fueled with hysteria and a longing for satisfaction in her life. There are some great comedic moments delivered by Natalie, mainly when she leans into the hysteria and toxicity of the character. Whilst her American accent is delivered with gusto, it does feel like it feels out of place in Jenny and Sam’s English bubble of gentrified suburbia. However, in terms of keeping the energy flowing, Natalie brings so much to this show in terms of hooking the audience and keeping them engaged throughout.
Danny Robins’ play explores belief, psychological trickery, and complex relationships. Whilst many horror fans may grab tickets expecting to leave the theatre shaken, Robins’ script is much more a phycological thriller than an outright horror. This isn’t a negative, quite the opposite, it’s fresh and exciting with a really great narrative at its core. You leave the theatre with a brilliant secret rather than scared stiff.
Matthew Dunster and Gabriel Vega Weissman’s direction is strongest when exploring the relationships in this play. In terms of horror, they know how to utilise the mise en scene to deliver a great jump scare, in terms of visual horror, this production is lacking, however it’s not it’s real purpose. However Dunster and Vega Weissman embrace the contemporary notes of this play and truly bring this story to stage with a sense of realism. This is also thanks to Anna Fleischle’s stunning set design, where the sense of detail and scale of Jenny & Sam’s house makes the audience feel they are watching the action unfold through a window. Lucy Carter’s lighting design compliments Fleischle’s design by bringing the suited lighting for the interior and the atmospheric design for the exterior of the property. Cindy Lin’s costume design establishes that the play is set now, utilizing current fashion trends.
‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’ is a gripping and truly thrilling production which explores discussions of the paranormal and how our beliefs can often be misconstrued or perhaps even real? Go and see this production, you will not be disappointed.
Get tickets here – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/2-22-a-ghost-story/edinburgh-playhouse/
Theatre Scotland 
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