If you enjoy a good scare, 2:22 – A Ghost Story at Oxford’s New Theatre is an absolute must-see. From the very first moment, this gripping thriller will have you on the edge of your seat, with the audience’s audible gasps proving we’re not alone in being caught off guard.
However, we can’t spoil the magic. We’ve been sworn to secrecy, so future theatre-goers can experience the full impact of this twisted tale as it was intended.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Drama to Life
James Bye, Natalie Casey, and Shvorne Marks lead this supernatural thriller
The play, which opened on Monday and runs until Saturday, stars James Bye (Martin from EastEnders) as Sam, Natalie Casey (Lauren from Hollyoaks and Two Pints of Lager) as Lauren, Grant Kilburn as Ben, and Shvorne Marks as Jenny. Together, they bring an electrifying tension to this haunting psychological drama.
A Gripping Plot: Haunted House Meets Suspicion and Paranoia
Is their home haunted? Sam and Jenny’s dinner party escalates into a terrifying ordeal
The premise is simple yet cleverly executed: Sam and Jenny, a young couple with a baby, have recently moved into a new home—one that quickly raises unsettling questions. Jenny believes their house is haunted, having experienced strange events over the past few days, while Sam, ever the sceptic, dismisses it as irrational. What follows is an increasingly heated dinner conversation that dives into the realm of the supernatural, with emotions running high and the wine flowing freely.
As the evening spirals into uncertainty and paranoia, the play leaves you guessing. We’re not giving anything away, but we can say that this production had the audience leaping out of their seats more than once. The shocking revelations in the final moments left the crowd stunned, with more than one person overheard saying, “I did not see that coming.” The set design and lighting enhance the mounting tension, creating an immersive atmosphere that amplifies every moment of suspense.
Why You Should See 2:22 A Ghost Story in Oxford
2:22 – A Ghost Story may leave you thinking you’ve figured it out, only to completely shift direction in a way that’s both thrilling and unsettling. It’s an expertly crafted experience that keeps you questioning the fine line between reality and the supernatural until the very end.
Catch this thrilling play before it leaves Oxford. 2:22 – A Ghost Story is on at the New Theatre Oxford until Saturday.
2:22 A Ghost Story 2026 UK Tour dates
| Venue | Location | Tour Dates |
|---|---|---|
| New Theatre | Oxford | 23 Feb 2026 – 28 Feb 2026 |
| Kings Theatre | Portsmouth | 02 Mar 2026 – 07 Mar 2026 |
| Assembly Hall Theatre | Tunbridge Wells | 09 Mar 2026 – 14 Mar 2026 |
| New Victoria Theatre | Woking | 16 Mar 2026 – 21 Mar 2026 |
| Grand Opera House | York | 30 Mar 2026 – 04 Apr 2026 |
| Empire Theatre | Liverpool | 06 Apr 2026 – 11 Apr 2026 |
| Theatre Royal | Newcastle | 13 Apr 2026 – 18 Apr 2026 |
| Theatre Royal & Concert Hall | Nottingham | 20 Apr 2026 – 25 Apr 2026 |
| Venue Cymru | Llandudno | 27 Apr 2026 – 02 May 2026 |
| His Majesty’s Theatre | Aberdeen | 05 May 2026 – 09 May 2026 |
| Leeds Grand | Leeds | 11 May 2026 – 16 May 2026 |
| Grand Theatre | Wolverhampton | 18 May 2026 – 23 May 2026 |
| Edinburgh Playhouse | Edinburgh | 25 May 2026 – 30 May 2026 |
| Lyceum Theatre | Sheffield | 01 Jun 2026 – 06 Jun 2026 |
| Waterside Theatre | Aylesbury | 08 Jun 2026 – 13 Jun 2026 |
| Churchill Theatre | Bromley | 15 Jun 2026 – 20 Jun 2026 |
| Corn Exchange | Cambridge | 22 Jun 2026 – 27 Jun 2026 |
| Congress Theatre | Eastbourne | 29 Jun 2026 – 04 Jul 2026 |
Key Information for the Audience
Production Details:
- Writer: Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist.
- Director: Matthew Dunster.
- Genre: Supernatural thriller, mystery, and psychological drama.
- Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
- Winner of 3 WhatsOnStage Awards in 2022: Best New Play, Best Performer in a Female Identifying Role (Lily Allen), and Best Supporting Performer in a Male Identifying Role (Jake Wood).
- Nominated for 3 Olivier Awards in 2022: Best New Play, Best Actress (Lily Allen), and Best Sound Design (Ian Dickinson).
Stunning Cast
- Sam: James Bye (Best known for playing Martin Fowler in EastEnders).
- Jenny: Shvorne Marks (Theatre credits include Three Little Birds, Endeavour, The Baby).
- Ben: Grant Kilburn (Made his stage debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story during the 2023 West End run).
- Lauren: Natalie Casey (Famous for Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Vagina Monologues).
Plot Overview
2:22 A Ghost Story centres on a couple, Jenny and Sam, who move into a fixer-upper house. The evening begins with a friendly dinner between friends but quickly turns chilling when Jenny believes their new home is haunted. Sam, ever the sceptic, dismisses the idea, leading to an intense argument. As the night progresses, the tension builds with arguments, suspicion, and terrifying unexplained occurrences. Do the supernatural events have a logical explanation, or is the house truly haunted?
Why Attend?
- Scary, Suspenseful, and Engaging: Expect twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning what you believe.
- Stunning Performances: With a talented cast and the expertise of Danny Robins, this show delivers both in terms of thrills and emotional depth.
- A Play You Can’t Miss: With accolades such as Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards and Olivier nominations, this is a must-see for fans of supernatural thrillers and gripping mysteries.
Further Reading
