‘Do you believe in ghosts?’ 2:22 A Ghost Story, Churchill Theatre, Bromley 15.06.2026

Tonight’s viewing has been on my hitlist for some time, well since it came out! Being a huge fan of the paranormal especially how it transfers to live performance, i was so excited to be going to the Churchill to watch the opening night of 2:22 A Ghost Story.

Jenny is certain that something supernatural is happening in her newly renovated London home. Every night at 2:22 a.m., she hears footsteps, strange noises, and unsettling whispers over the baby monitor. Her husband Sam, a committed sceptic, refuses to believe anything paranormal is going on, insisting there must be a rational explanation. To prove she isn’t imagining things, Jenny invites friends Lauren and her new partner Ben over for dinner. As the night unfolds, the group debates ghosts, belief, and fear while the atmosphere grows increasingly tense. With the clock ticking toward 2:22, the four of them wait together to see what will happen.

It’s really hard to write about a play like this, when they directly ask you to keep its secrets, so that future audiences can be as blown away as I was. I’m naturally sceptical of ghost stories on stage, because they can either soar or fall flat. But this one masterfully balances that tension, keeping you on the edge with fear and suspense, while also weaving in brilliant comic moments. These lighter touches lift the mood, letting you relax, only to be caught completely off guard when a sudden jump scare crashes back in. And I think, for me, that was part of its power, never letting you get too comfortable before pulling you right back in.

2:22 – A Ghost Story resonated with me on a deeper level, largely because Jenny’s journey as a new mum feels so raw and recognisable. Her exhaustion, her sharpened instincts, and her fierce need to protect her daughter at all costs make her instantly relatable. You understand her tiredness in your bones, and you feel the panic of not being believed just as sharply as she does.

Shorne Marks brings Jenny to life beautifully, moving through fear, doubt, determination, and vulnerability with such honesty that you’re right there with her, questioning whether she’s losing her grip or uncovering something truly terrifying. Sam, played by EastEnders star James Bye, brings a completely different but equally compelling energy to the story. He’s the level‑headed, need‑to‑be‑right husband who treats every supernatural suggestion as utter nonsense. James captures that pompous, know‑it‑all streak so perfectly that it’s almost effortless to feel frustrated with him — yet he never lets Sam become a caricature. There’s a softness underneath, a genuine love for his family that peeks through even when he’s being infuriating. That tension between stubborn logic and quiet devotion feels incredibly real, echoing the way many marriages move between conflict and connection. It makes the strain between Sam and Jenny not just believable, but painfully relatable.

In the role of their old uni friend is Lauren, played with remarkable nuance by Natalie Casey, who has no trouble shifting through every emotion with absolute clarity. Lauren is fascinating to watch — introduced as a confident mental‑health nurse, someone who should have her head firmly together in order to support others. But as the night wears on and the wine level drops, her vulnerability begins to seep through. Hidden feelings, long‑buried secrets, and a quiet ache she’s been carrying all surface in ways that feel painfully human. Natalie handles this unravelling beautifully, revealing layers of strength, insecurity, longing, and truth that make Lauren one of the most compelling characters on stage. Ben, played by Grant Kilburn, enters the group as the newcomer — the boyfriend trying to make a good impression while still standing his ground. He brings a fresh, sometimes conflicting energy to the trio’s long‑established dynamic. What’s striking is how openly he shares parts of himself with people he’s only just met, revealing a surprising emotional honesty beneath his attempts to appear confident and capable. His instinctive support for Jenny, and his willingness to believe her when others won’t, adds a gentle kindness to his character. In ways you want to learn more about him.

Without a doubt, I did not see the ending coming, and of course I can’t tell you what happens, no spoilers here — but it’s such a clever, unexpected twist on a ghost story that it genuinely stays with you. The suspense isn’t loud or in your face; instead, it creeps in quietly, building tension in a way that feels far more unsettling. It’s the kind of show you end up talking about all the way home. Is it something you’d watch over and over? Probably not. But is it a show you absolutely have to see at least once? Definitely. I was lucky enough to catch a cast who were on absolute top form, and that made all the difference, in the wrong hands, I don’t think the play would land with the same impact.

I highly recommend catching this production if it comes to a theatre near you. It’s a brilliant night out for both guys and girls… maybe just leave the kids at home for this one.

Playing at the Churchill Theatre until Saturday 20 June, for all ticket information go here. It then continues on its Uk Tour for all dates and venues head here.