2:22 A Ghost Story - The Lowry

2:22 A Ghost Story at The Lowry - spooky stuff.

I CAN’T for the life of me - no pun intended - remember the last time I was so genuinely shocked and scared by a play.

But everyone at The Lowry absolutely loved being spooked, with their shrieks turning into bursts of collective laughter.

Danny Robins ingeniously crafted play also contains one of the cleverest twists I’ve ever seen on a stage. But us critics have been urged by our contacts not to spill the beans.

Jenny and Sam are coming to terms with the pressures of new parenthood and Jenny’s stress levels are boosted by her belief that her house is haunted, a belief Sam rubbishes at ever given opportunity.

The couple invite Lauren and her new boyfriend Ben for drinks and food. Ben is irritating beyond belief at times, overly familiar to Sam who hates the way he calls him “mate.”

As Sam and Jenny, George Rainsford and Fiona Wade exude a very potent chemistry and really sound like a real husband and wife, especially when rowing after initial differences of opinion.

Jay McGuiness is at times hilarious as Ben, especially during his bouts of inflated self worth and I also really liked Vera Chok’s Lauren.

The special effects have maximum impact in the Lowry audience by increasing the emotional ante without warning.

When it comes to spooks I’m probably a member of sceptics anonymous. Hopefully though, nothing will happen to make me change my theory.

Prepare to be shocked, scared and entertained. A must see.

Star rating - 4.5 out of 5.

Until June 8. Tickets are available from 0343 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com.