With Halloween upon us there are many events happening within London bringing us spookiness to the City. To get into the real spirit of October I went along to see a spooky play in the West End called 2:22 A Ghost Story within The Criteron Theatre. The play focusses on a couple who purchase a new home which an elderly couple used to live in, however things within the house are not quite right, the question is have they a ghost in the house?
The play really is an insight to those who believe in ghosts and those who don’t, as the sceptics always think there has to be a logical explanation be it science or something else.
What is a ghost though? Well it is a soul or a spirit of a dead person or even an animal who has not passed onto heaven or hell and stays within our world as a ghost. Ghosts vary widely from an invisible presence to translucent or barely visible with lifelike forms. Ghosts have been believed by many for a very long time. Ghosts are generally described as solitary, human-like essences, but on a occasion there are more evil presences which are classed as poltergeist. Ghosts generally also are believed to haunt particular locations which meant something to them, for instance where they grew up.
Not everyone believes ghosts though and there is an overwhelming consensus of science which can proof the unusual happenings that someone might mistake for being a ghost. For instance despite centuries of investigation, there is no scientific evidence that any location is inhabited by spirits of the dead. It is said that many plants, drugs and the environment are usually the link to illusions making your imagination run wild.
As a fan of theatre, Halloween and horror I was kindly invited down courtesy by the PR team to see 2:22 A Ghost Story.
2:22 A Ghost Story
2:22 A Ghost Story is an award-winning supernatural thriller which has come to West End Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly, which presently is starring Tamsin Carroll, Felix Scott, Laura Whitmore and Matt Willis.
Following two record-breaking seasons at the Noël Coward and Gielgud Theatres, this critically acclaimed new play has become London’s must-see theatre event.
2:22 A Ghost Story is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, and is directed by Matthew Dunster.
This play is about a married couple Jenny and Sam who have moved into a new home which used to be lived in by an elderly couple. Jenny though believes that their new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. With the dispute between them both growing larger and larger they decide to have their first dinner guests over and to stay the night to see what really is does happen at 2:22. Is Jenny being paranoid or is the sceptic Sam right is it just creaking of the house?
Are ghosts real?
Heading on in down to the basement The Criterion Theatre which is eerie initself it was time to watch 2:22 A Ghost Story. The play took me and other theatre goers on a journey as we all watched and learnt about a newly married couple, their baby and their new forever home which they are renovating to make it more modern. However this forever after home starts to gives Jenny the creeps as whilst her husband Sam goes away on business things are not what they seem especially at 2:22.
Jenny has been left for a few days by herself with her baby but she starts to notice odd things at 2:22. unusual noises started to occur in which Jenny discovers whilst he husband Sam is away on business.
When Sam returns from his business trip Jenny explained what she hears at 2:22 in the early hours of the morning but Sam says it’s just the house creaking but Jenny believes it’s a ghosts. Sam though is not a believer of ghosts and always has a scientific answer.
To solve the matter as to prove each other wrong they have their friends over, Lauren and her new partner Ben who stay over for the night. With belief and scepticism from all they all decide to stay up till 2:22 in the morning to see if there really is a reoccurring ghost that visits the house at that time.
This play really does get you thinking if ghosts are real or not?
I was looking and listening out for clues throughout this play which is not all serious and scares as there are quite a few comical moments, it really is an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge.
Verdict
This award winning supernatural thrill 2:22 A Ghost Story really did really make me question though is there such things as ghosts or not with all the compelling arguments between each other.
The stage never changes as the play only ever takes place within Jenny and Sam’s studio living room / kitchen but the acting and story kept me hooked from the start to the end. However even though this play did keep me in suspense the whole time and on the edge of my seat and giving me the odd fright, from the odd loud scream during act changes the ending was disappointing. In fact it left me a little deflated. I can’t say why as this would spoil the play if you ever went to see it. However never less I will like to state the acting played by all four cast members Tasmin Carroll, Felix Scott, Laura Whitmore and Matt Willis was great.
I particularly loved watching Matt Willis, he really shone and showed that he is not just a talented musician but also a good actor.
So if you love ghost stories, and love Matt Willis then I recommend seeing 2:22 A Ghost Story.
2:22 A Ghost Story boo now
2:22 A Ghost Story is playing at The Criterion Theatre until 8 January 2023.
Tickets start from £15
Criterion Theatre Book tickets
From 23 January 2023 2:22 A Ghost Story will be playing at The Lyric Theatre.
Thanks to 2:22 A Ghost Story marketing team for having me down to review. All views are my own honest opinion.
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