There’s a certain kind of quiet that makes your ears strain. The sort where every creak feels loaded. If you’ve felt it before, you already know why 2:22 – A Ghost Story keeps pulling people back in.

And yes — it’s coming back to Northampton.

Danny Robins’ critically acclaimed supernatural thriller opens its 2026 UK tour at Royal & Derngate, running from Thursday 8 to Saturday 17 January, before heading out on its fourth nationwide run. Northampton gets first dibs. Again.

Lucky you.

A new cast (and a few familiar faces)

This time around, the show arrives with a fresh line-up ready to test your nerves.

James Bye, best known for his decade-long stint as Martin Fowler in EastEnders, steps into the role of Sam — the ultimate sceptic. He’s joined by Natalie Casey (Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) as Lauren, and Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, The Bill, EastEnders) as Ben.

Completing the quartet is Shvorne Marks, who Northampton audiences may already recognise from the autumn 2025 tour. This time, she switches roles to play Jenny — the woman convinced her house is haunted.

And that’s where things start to unravel.

So… do you believe?

“There’s something in our house. I hear it every night, at the same time.”

Jenny is certain. Her husband Sam? Not so much. A dinner party with old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben quickly spirals into a heated debate about belief, scepticism — and whether the dead can really walk again.

They decide to stay awake.
They decide to listen.
They decide to wait… until 2:22.

What happens next is the reason audiences keep coming back (and why people exit theatres whispering).

Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast and TV series Uncanny, and directed by Matthew Dunster, the play delivers an adrenaline-filled night where secrets surface and ghosts may — or may not — appear.

A modern theatre phenomenon

This isn’t just another touring thriller. Since its debut, 2:22 – A Ghost Story has racked up:

  • Three years in the West End across seven seasons
  • Over 1.1 million audience members worldwide
  • Twelve international productions spanning 17 countries and five continents

Its first UK tour in 2023/24 was a huge success, followed by another sold-out run in autumn 2025. The 2026 tour revisits favourite cities (hello again, Northampton) while introducing new audiences to the show’s slow-burn dread.

Past casts have included the likes of Lily Allen, James Buckley, Giovanna Fletcher, Mandip Gill, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton — not bad company to keep.

What the cast are saying

James Bye said: ‘I’m over the moon to be joining 2:22 – A Ghost Story as Sam. It’s such a clever, brilliantly written show, and I can’t wait to get started.’

Natalie Casey said: ‘I’m thrilled to be tingling spines and facing existential fears up and down these fair isles as Lauren in the chilling, modern classic; 2.22.’

Gary Lucy added: ‘I’m genuinely excited to be joining 2:22 A Ghost Story. It’s such a sharp, brilliant show — the kind that keeps you and the audience guessing right to the end.’

And Shvorne Marks said: ‘I’m so excited to play Jenny – It’s not often you get to play two great roles in the same show! I have absolutely loved playing Lauren and I still enjoy coming to work everyday – so I’m really happy my journey with 2:22 isn’t over yet.’

The takeaway (before the lights go out)

If you like your theatre tense, clever and just unsettling enough to make the walk home interesting, this one’s for you.

2:22 – A Ghost Story runs at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, from Thursday 8 to Saturday 17 January.
To check performance times or book tickets, visit royalandderngate.co.uk/222-a-ghost-story or call the box office on 01604 624811.

You’ve been warned.
2:22 is closer than you think.