The latest production of award-winning supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story stars real-life celebrity couple Kevin Clifton (Strictly dancer and musical theatre star) and Stacey Dooley (TV presenter, journalist and Strictly winner). Touring the UK until 2026, the show played for a second evening at Malvern Theatres last night, and was performed in front of a very receptive and appreciative audience.

The chilling story begins by introducing the audience to new parents Jenny (Dooley) and Sam (Clifton). Something spooky is happening at their recently bought fixer-upper home. At precisely 2:22am on consecutive nights, Jenny hears footsteps via the monitor in her baby’s room. Finding no-one there, she believes that their new home is haunted. Sam, on the other hand, is sceptical in the extreme, dismissing her fears with rational explanations.

When the couple invite Lauren (Shvorne Marks), a university friend of Sam’s, and her new partner Ben (Grant Kilburn) to dinner, discussions become heated, as sceptics and believers argue about the probable cause of the ‘spooky’ events. With a little persuasion from Jenny, the guests agree to stay until 2:22 in the morning and see if a ghost appears...

Although the play explores paranormal phenomena and features plenty of dramatic sound effects and eerie lighting, 2:22 is not just a ghost story, it’s also a psychological thriller, as the audience is taken on a chilling journey into the heart of the characters’ emotions and complex relationship dynamics. 

Moments of real apprehension are cleverly interspersed with injections of delightful comedy. But be warned: you might well find yourself being lulled into a false sense of security.

It’s hard to write too much without giving away spoilers. Suffice it to say that this is a gripping and intriguing story, brilliantly delivered by a small, hugely talented cast. There’s a winning chemistry that’s very much in evidence between Dooley and Clifton, who bring great emotion to their roles. Personally speaking, I absolutely loved the ending, which I thought brought the rest of the play together perfectly. 

Five stars

2:22 - A Ghost Story was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 23 September at Malvern Theatres, where it shows until Saturday 27 September. 

The show visits the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Monday 29 September to Saturday 4 October, Birmingham’s The Alexandra from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 October, and The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 May 2026