2:22 A Ghost Story at the Manchester Opera House – a nail-biting and thrilling night out
2:22 A GHOST STORY by Danny Robins ; Production ; Cast: Kevin Clifton, Stacey Dooley, Grant Kilburn, and Shvorne Marks ; Directed by Matthew Dunster and Gabriel Vega Weissman ; Set Designer Anna Fleischle ; Costume Designer Cindy Lin ; Lighting Designer Lucy Carter ; Sound Designer Ian Dickinson (for Autograph) ; Casting Director Matilda James ; Co‑Casting Director Annelie Powell CDG ; Illusions Chris Fisher ; Fight Directors Rachel Bown‑Williams & Ruth Cooper‑Brown of RC‑ANNIE ; Vocal Coach Hazel Holder ; Production Manager Matt Ledbury ; Props by PropsWorks London Ltd ; Producers Tristan Baker, Charlie Parsons, Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David, Kater Gordon ; Associate Producers Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, Roast Productions ; Tour ; Opera House Manchester ; 7 August 2025 ; Runaway Entertainment ; Credit and copyright: Helen Murray www.helenmurrayphotos.com
2:22 A Ghost Story has begun its UK tour in Manchester, and it’s a production certainly not for the faint hearted.
Since its premier on the West End back in 2021, 2:22 A Ghost Story has firmly established itself as a must-see.
It’s a production that promises to get your pulse racing, your palms sweating and the hairs stand up on the back of your neck – and believe me, it does just that.
Based on the personal experiences of playwright Danny Robbins, this spooky tale delves into the supernatural themes of love, loss, and enduring connections.
The script is fast paced and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, infusing dark themes with unexpected turns and moments of humour – it’s a perfect recipe for success.
Set against the backdrop of a middle class dinner party there are no set changes, instead we focus on the four characters and their evening until the dreaded time comes around…2:22.
Jenny and Sam, played by Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, are joined by their old friend Lauren (Shvorne Marks) and her new boyfriend Ben (Grant Kilburn).
There was not one weak link in the cast, each player kept up to speed in the fast pace game as the plot unfurled around them.
The standout performance for me was by Grant Kilburn as Ben, a cocky chino-wearing, loafer-sporting builder who turns out to be more than meets the eye (no spoilers, I promise).
Stacey Dooley’s Jenny was gentle and strong in equal measures, whereas Kevin Clifton’s performance was exactly as you wanted it to be – ridiculously obnoxious and at most times incredibly unlikeable.
The syncopated score added to the tension of the plot perfectly, as did the red lighting that framed the performance throughout.
Again, I won’t give too much away but the jump scares dotted through the performance sent waves of terror throughout the audience. Followed by chuckles of laughter as grown adults came to realise they’d dropped their popcorn on the floor out of fright.
The ending of course brought it all together, and was the sort of ending that you had speaking to strangers walking out of the auditorium after the final curtain call.
So if you’re looking to get your pulse racing with a theatre production like no other, 2:22 A Ghost Story is at the Manchester Opera House until Saturday 16 August and you can your tickets here.
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Featured image – Supplied