2:22 A Ghost Story at the New Theatre Cardiff
There’s a quiet satisfaction in a play that relies more on tension than spectacle, and 2:22 A Ghost Story — written by Danny Robins — understands that balance well. Currently touring the UK, the production settles comfortably into Cardiff’s historic auditorium, offering an evening of steady suspense rather than outright fright.
Domestic Drama with a Supernatural Edge
The story unfolds across one night in a recently renovated London home. Jenny is convinced something in the house wakes at precisely 2:22am; her husband Sam remains firmly unconvinced. As friends Lauren and Ben join them for dinner, casual conversation gradually gives way to a more probing discussion about belief, experience and the need for proof.
The script’s strength lies in its recognisable situations. Much of the first act feels deliberately ordinary, relationship tensions, parenting worries and gentle humour, which grounds the premise before anything unsettling occurs. The sense of unease builds gradually rather than sharply, allowing the audience to lean into the mystery at its own pace.
Performances
The cast approach the material with naturalism, which suits the play’s conversational style.
Sam, played by James Bye, is convincingly pragmatic, never tipping into caricature scepticism. His reactions feel rooted in logic rather than dismissiveness.
Lauren, played by Natalie Casey, provides warmth and humour early on, gradually revealing a sharper emotional awareness as the night progresses.
Ben, played by Grant Kilburn, adds unpredictability, shifting the tone whenever the discussion threatens to settle into certainty.
Jenny, played by Shvorne Marks, anchors the piece, presenting fear in a restrained and believable way that keeps the audience questioning whether events are psychological or supernatural.
The group dynamic works well; the characters feel like people who genuinely know each other, which is essential in a play driven almost entirely by dialogue.
“I couldn’t stop watching… or waiting.”
Staging and Atmosphere
The single-set living room design keeps the focus on conversation rather than spectacle. Lighting changes are subtle and effective, and the sound design - particularly the use of silence - does much of the atmospheric work. Rather than frequent shocks, the production opts for anticipation, encouraging the audience to notice small details.
Themes and Impact
At its heart, 2:22 A Ghost Story isn’t really about ghosts. It’s about certainty, how people justify what they believe and why they cling to it. The play uses the haunting as a framework for debates about rationality, experience and trust between partners.
As the clock approaches its titular moment, the audience’s attention sharpens. The final section lands neatly, providing a clear payoff without overstretching the tension that precedes it.
Verdict
This touring production offers an engaging evening of theatre: thoughtful, occasionally unsettling and easy to follow. It favours conversation and atmosphere over spectacle, making it a solid choice for audiences who enjoy character-driven suspense over constant jump scares.
