2:22 A Ghost Story – Review – Leeds Grand Theatre
By Gail Schuster, May 2026
2:22 A Ghost Story turns that theatrical staple, the dinner party, into a gripping and intense watch. Written by Danny Robins, the creator of the successful podcast, Uncanny, the play mixes everyday domestic conversation with psychological suspense, building tension as it progresses.
The main conflict comes from Jenny’s belief that the house is haunted, while her husband Sam refuses to believe in anything paranormal. This creates an ongoing clash between logic and fear that kept me engaged throughout. As the story develops, there is a clear sense that something is not quite right, which makes you question: is the haunting real or is it shaped by paranoia?
Jenny and Sam are a married couple adjusting to life in their new home after the birth of their daughter. She becomes convinced that the house is haunted after repeatedly waking at 2:22 and hearing the same sounds. She then arranges a late-night dinner party, inviting long-term friend Lauren and her new boyfriend Ben, with the ulterior motive of them all waiting up until 2:22 to hear the noises.
“Strong chemistry”
Sam dismisses her alarm as being irrational. As their friends join them for dinner, casual conversation gradually develops into a tense debate about ghosts and beliefs. This growing unease creates a sustained sense of suspense and intensifies the atmosphere as the evening progresses.
The play combines classic supernatural suspense with modern relationship drama and emotional tension, but rather than relying on horror, the reason why people are drawn to ghost stories is explored.
The naturalistic acting makes the sense of threat believable. The cast demonstrate strong chemistry as two couples whose conversations shift from light hearted and humorous to increasingly strained and emotionally charged. Shvorne Marks skilfully captures Jenny’s distress and vulnerability, while James Bye, who played Martin Fowler in EastEnders for ten years, portrays Sam’s rational scepticism with restraint, providing an effective contrast.
“Unexpected”
The set design by Anna Fleischle, helps to create the unsettling atmosphere. It is the ground floor of a house which has been owned by an elderly lady, but which is in the process of being radically modernised. In the open-plan kitchen, dining area and lounge, some walls have been painted whilst others are part stripped, revealing the plaster under the wallpaper. The use of digital clocks, which steadily track the passing time throughout the evening, anchors the dialogue and events in the build-up to 2:22, heightening the tension.
Lighting is used effectively with dimly lit scenes and sudden changes in brightness and colour, directing the audience’s attention and providing breaks to move time on. The sound effects are equally significant, as background and unexpected noises, as well as silences, add to the sense of unease. Together, the technicals transform an ordinary home into a place which feels stressful and threatening.
2:22 A Ghost Story does not rely on overt horror; it explores deeper, relatable themes of fear, belief and human vulnerability – and that’s why, ultimately, it’s an engrossing and rewarding piece of theatre.
2:22 A Ghost Story is at Leeds Grand Theatre until 16th May
images: Helen Murray
