Hold on to your seat; this is worth the hype!
'2:22' is a critically acclaimed and award-winning ghost story which wowed West End audiences on it’s opening run in 2021 at the Noel Coward Theatre. '2:22' has been the winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play and it arrives in Blackpool this week for 5 nights only. Certainly, the marketing machine had worked and there was a palpable sense of expectation and tension as we entered the auditorium itself. This was opening night and it was particularly pleasing to see the Grand Theatre almost full on a Tuesday. I love this theatre and its ever-welcoming staff. As mentioned the marketing of this production has been ever-present and it has literally painted the town red, with several local Blackpool landmarks turning a searing Scarlett in anticipation of its arrival. The various productions of this wonderful production have featured several famous faces and has become the launchpad for global superstars transitioning from the world of music into the world of theatre. This constant and ever-changing cast is part of the play’s pull and the current tour is no exception, featuring 'The Wanted' singer Jay McGuinness amongst other more established actors. At the end of the play, the words ‘Shhh. Don’t tell’ are projected onto the walls of the set; so, don’t worry, I won’t be revealing any spoilers…
The plot centres around couple Jenny (Rachel Morris) and Sam (George Rainford) and we join them as they host their first dinner party in their new home with friends Lauren (Vera Chok) and Ben (Jay McGuinness). Believing that an otherworldly spirit is residing in their home, Jenny suggests that her friends hang around to see if the spirit arrives at 2:22. Belief and scepticism clash as during the course of the evening the friends argue, disagree, and question each other; this certainly adds to the suspense and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats thinking that something certainly feels strange and frightening. Believing that something is getting closer the friends stay up and wait for bewitching hour. This particular focus of the plot divides the friends. I certainly felt that is was written this way to help the audience relate to the characters - in any group of friends, you will find those who believe in the supernatural who then justify their beliefs to the members of the scientific community, who believe everything is explainable through scientific theory. I am sure that as audience members leave, the debate of science versus supernatural will rage on. The script whilst wordy at times switches well, between building tension, to the comedic, which cleverly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, guessing at what is coming next. The cast were very well balanced, and I enjoyed their performances. It is a credit to Jay McGuinness and / or the direction that he more than held his own. However, an extra special mention should be made to Rachel Morris who took on the particularly demanding role of Jenny due to the unavailability of Fiona Wade.
Overall my advice is don’t miss out get a ticket now, you will need to be quick if last night’s numbers are any type of indication. You will have a great night and support a fabulous and iconic theatre.
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