First premiering in 2021, 2:22 A Ghost Story has been performed all over the world. From writer Danny Robins, well-known for his Uncanny podcast, this psychological horror is a great show for fans of the spooky and paranormal. Set in a home that has been well loved by an older couple before a new, young family move in, this four-hander explores the themes of change, how the past can linger in the present, and what has – or should - be left behind.
The premise is simple – two couples having dinner, while a young child sleeps upstairs. Jenny, mother of the new baby and convinced that her home is haunted due to mysterious sounds at the spooky hour of 2:22, is the most sympathetic of all the characters, portrayed with great warmth and intelligence by Shvorne Marks. No matter what your belief in ghosts, the genuine fear of Jenny is clear. Her husband Sam, a cynical, irritatingly no-nonsense man, is equally believable although unlikeable in James Bye’s performance: these two polar opposites clearly have problems. Adding to the mix are Sam’s University-friend Lauren, a stylised, quirky, hard-drinking Natalie Casey, and Lauren’s new partner Ben, the down-to-earth working class newbie to the group, who turns out to have been on several ghost hunts himself, a confident performance from Grant Kilburn.
There are some fun tropes in the show: the jump scares are pretty loud and effective, with a great deal of nervous giggling in the audience after every scare. The lighting changes and sound effects work well and help to ramp up the atmosphere as time ticks on during the night. The interspersing of fox sounds and sensor lights going off add to the unsettled feel of the night, both familiar and yet adding that layer of uncertainty: is it simply the foxes setting off the light or something unseen and scarier?
The first act is slow and takes its time building up. However, once we get to the second act everything flows and the deeper discussions that come up as the alcohol flows are engaging, drawing us in. Relationship secrets and difficult pasts and families are unveiled, as the tale reaches its denouement. The clever ending is one that would encourage a second viewing of the show, just to see it all unfold again. You will (probably) not be afraid of ghosts under the bed, but it might make you consider what that noise outside really means...
Show Time: 27-30 May @ 19:30; 27,30 May @ 14:30
Edinburgh Playhouse
Ticket Prices: £27.99-£79.04
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/2-22-a-ghost-story/edinburgh-playhouse/calendar/2026-05-27
Warnings: Contains a fair amount of strobe lighting effects throughout the show.
Audio Described Performance - Thursday 28 May 2026 @ 19:30; Step Free Access and Wheelchairs - The Edinburgh Playhouse does not have a lift. There is level access from the entrance into Circle Bar located on the right-hand side of the main foyer. An ‘At Seat Service’ is available on request please ask a member of the Front of House team upon arrival.
Age Suitability: 12+ Under 16s must be sat next to an accompanying adult.