Spooky classic promises audience 'sheer nerve-shredding escapism'

Ahead of 2:22 A Ghost Story beginning its run at the Theatre Royal Bath on Monday, Jeffrey Davies speaks to two of the production's actors, James Bye and Shvorne Marks.

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HERE'S something in our house. I hear it every night. At the same time.” Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it.

They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again?

Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and something is getting closer, so they're going to stay up until 2:22. And then they'll know!

Following seven West End seasons, a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour and 30 productions across the globe, the stage phenomenon 2:22 A Ghost Story returns to the Theatre Royal Bath next week as part of the play's extensive fourth tour.

Winner of Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards, this supernatural thriller stars James Bye [EastEnders, Redemption, Hummingbird] and Shvorne Marks [Endeavour, Holby City, Three Little Birds].

Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, the critically-acclaimed smash hit show 2.22-A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at various West End theatres.

Seen by more than a million people in 17 different countries, a ‘spooksman’ [if you'll forgive the pun] said it is about “a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear. What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?”

Sounds scary to say the least I suggested to actors James Bye and Shvorne Marks who play Sam and Jenny in this most celebrated and phenomenally successful of spine-tingling dramas. What can West Country audiences expect?

“Well, it all takes place over one night. Jenny believes her home is haunted at the same time every night - 2:22 ambut her husband Sam is having none of it,’ a most friendly and chatty Shvorne told me ahead of the play’s arrival in Bath next week.