Review: 2:22 A GHOST STORY, The Alexandra Birmingham - Tour

Photo credit: Helen Murray

Finally, after a record breaking five seasons at London's Noel Coward Theatre, 2:22 Ghost Story is on its first UK tour and we couldn't be more thrilled. Filled with celebrity casts and promises to keep the mystery alive, the hubbub in the foyer of The Alexandra in Birmingham was palpable. The anticipation, the heightened senses, an audience ready for a thrill.

As the show begins, the techno music - expertly created by Ian Dickinson - crescendos indicating the show is about to begin, ushering silence amongst the excited audience. The lighting, designed by Lucy Carter, sets the tone. The temperature plummets, not due to the heating controls of The Alexandra, but due to the subtle changes in the lighting and sound design by this expert duo.

The show centres around a dinner party whereby four friends are exploring the idea of a ghost being in the house. As with any good creative writing, Danny Robins has created a spectrum of beliefs amongst the dinner hosts and awkward couple of invitees. We say awkward because one is a long time friend from university and the other is the new partner who fails to meet the standard or expectation of one of the hosts. We can't talk any further about the story as it is best observed first hand. This is the first inkling that if 2:22 - A Ghost Story is visiting a theatre near you, it is definitely worth a visit.

Before we identify specific performers, let's first point out that these are the most relatable relationships we have seen on stage in a long while. By this, we mean relatable to general, some might say banal life filled with work stress, family commitments and tenuous links to friends you once called family. So much of the tension doesn't come from wondering where the potential jump scares may come from. It comes from the tensions between newly formed couples Ben (Jay McGuiness) and Lauren (Vera Chok) and new parents Sam (George Rainsford) and Jenny (Fiona Wade) as they experience new love and responsibilities.

Vera Chok as Lauren is the stand out performance. She is the quintessential cool girl who becomes more vulnerable as the show unfolds. How she expertly evolves through the many incarnations of Lauren is a masterful presentation of her acting prowess through the performance.

To specify one amongst this solid cast of four does an injustice to what is a cleverly orchestrated and performed show. Though Lauren is a personal favourite, all characters are well developed, presented and established to relate to every member of the audience.

We must, however, return to the writing. This reviewer went anticipating every jump scare, which is impossible by the way! What this reviewer didn't expect was the level of observational humour (big up the foxes - if you know, you know) and fear born out of relatable circumstances. If you head to this show expecting thrill and fear, you won't be disappointed, but laughs are also guaranteed. It's a big thumbs up from us. Get your tickets now! You won't be disappointed.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

2:22 A Ghost Story plays at The Alexandra until 20 January, with tickets for Birmingham and other select touring venues available here.