Theatre Review: 2:22 A Ghost Story, Bristol Hippodrome
Photo by Helen Murray
Summary:
Rating: ★★★★
Running Dates: Monday 18th August - Saturday 23rd August 2025
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hrs (incl. interval)
Keywords: Scare, Ghosts, Mystery, Relationships
Review
Creepy, jumpy and stays with you long after the show finishes… everything you want from a ghost story!
Sitting in the packed out auditorium, the space was filled with anxious titters and jitters of the audience members ready for a night of frights & delights.. and it did not disappoint. Written by the renowned Danny Robbins - this is definitely one of the most talked about plays in recent times with previous casting efforts including Lily Allen, Cheryl Cole & more. In steps real life couple Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton alongside Grant Kilburn & Shvorne Marks.
The plot is fairly simple - Jenny (Dooley) believes the home she shares with Sam (Clifton) is haunted. Sam is having absolutely none of it as a man of science so what else to do? Invite pals Lauren (Marks) & Ben (Kilburn) round for tea and ask them to stay until the dreaded time 2:22am when Jenny is convinced the ghost in question and haunting is at its most present and strongest.
Photo by Helen Murray
The staging is perfection for the creation of anxiety building. There are two alarm clocks counting the time by - and as we slowly get closer to 2:22am the anxiety gets almost unbearable, emulating exactly how Jenny must be feeling every morning at that time. The set alongside is simplistic but effective - a family home in disarray, a mix of the house before being gutted and a clean modern look being replaced with it. Not missing the large glass doors for the back door that you are constantly watching for the light to magically come on, or for something to appear! Lighting compliments this as very bright (think hospital lighting!) and sound effects and strobe that will literally make you jump out of your seat with giggles.
Dooley is incredible in the role as Jenny - completely authentic and genuine and I can really feel the fear building and resentment towards Sam. The range of emotions is really all on display and I really enjoyed watching her.
I don’t want to give anything else away, but this really isn’t one to be missed! Go, go, go!
Standout Moment: The ending.. but we won’t tell 🤫
See If: You love a night out with lots of giggles, lots of jump scares and a fab script to boot!
Last Impressions: I’m not scared to go to the loo… you are :P
Similar Plays: Woman in Black, Ghost Stories
You can find tickets for the show on the ATG Website
We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.
Written by Steph Clarke