2:22 A Ghost Story opened last night at 
Milton Keynes Theatre, and we were lucky enough to be there as press to see what all the buzz was about.
Running until Saturday 20th September, this spine-tingling play brings a fresh dose of supernatural suspense to the city. Going in, I didn’t quite know what to expect—having never seen it before or even knowing much about the story. I’ll admit, I was nervous. I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to scary things, and all I’d been told was, “it’s scary!”
The story unfolds inside the home of Jenny (Stacey Dooley) and Sam (Kevin Clifton), who host friends Ben (Grant Kilburn) and Lauren (Shvorne Marks) for a dinner party. As the evening progresses, strange happenings stir unease in the house, and conversations soon blur the lines between scepticism and belief. The brilliance of the writing is that it doesn’t just rely on frights—it delves into human fears, relationships, and the way we rationalise the unexplainable. And just when the tension feels almost unbearable, a few well-timed laughs are thrown in to give you a moment to breathe. Without spoiling the ending, let’s just say the story keeps you second-guessing right up until the very last moments.
The play is written by Danny Robins, whose sharp, clever script balances witty dialogue with heart-pounding tension. Under the direction of Matthew Dunster and co-director Gabriel Vega Weissman, the pacing is masterfully handled—allowing the audience to breathe one moment before plunging them back into dread the next.
The set design deserves huge praise, as the entire play unfolds within the walls of a single house. Every detail feels lived-in and real, making it all the more unsettling when the unexplainable begins to occur. The lighting and sound are especially powerful; both play an essential role in ramping up suspense, jolting the audience at just the right time, and creating an atmosphere that seeps under your skin.
The cast of four leads work seamlessly together. Stacey Dooley brings warmth and conviction to Jenny, while Kevin Clifton captures Sam’s sceptical rationality perfectly. Grant Kilburn (Ben) and Shvorne Marks (Lauren) add further depth, with all four performances outstanding in their delivery. This is the beauty of live theatre—you get raw, unfiltered acting, and the complexity of the script means each cast member has to deliver with absolute precision. And then there are Rochelle Harvey and Paul Sockett… whose mysterious appearances I won’t spoil. Let’s just say, when and how they arrive on stage is best left a secret. Shhh—no spoilers here!
I can honestly say I’ve never experienced anything quite like this at the theatre. I went in feeling anxious, knowing I don’t cope well with horror or jump scares, but I came out completely gripped. The story feels so real, especially if you let your imagination run away with you. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, there are moments in this play that will challenge your thoughts and leave you questioning. The jump scares are plentiful, the dialogue sharp, and the tension relentless—I felt my shoulders tighten throughout, constantly on edge about what was coming next.
Pay close attention to the little details, because I left thinking I need to see it again just to catch the subtle clues that build towards the ending. 2:22 A Ghost Story is brilliantly crafted, breathlessly performed, and absolutely unforgettable. If I can watch it (and survive the scares!), then truly, anyone can.
