The 2026 UK tour of Danny Robins’ critically acclaimed, smash hit play 2:22 - A Ghost Story opens at Royal & Derngate, running at the Northampton venue from Thursday 8 to Saturday 17 January, before embarking on its fourth extensive tour.

The new cast comprises James Bye who played the role of Martin Fowler in EastEnders for over ten years, playing Sam, Natalie Casey (Hollyoaks; Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) playing Lauren and Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, The Bill, EastEnders) as Ben. Shvorne Marks, who has been playing Lauren in the autumn 2025 tour, will change roles and play Jenny.

2:22 is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast and TV series Uncanny, and is directed by Matthew Dunster; it’s an adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear…

What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?

“There’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 that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up... until 2:22... and then they’ll know.

2:22 - A Ghost Story’s phenomenal success includes three years in the West End over seven seasons. There have been twelve replica productions worldwide and the show has been seen by over 1.1 million people in seventeen different countries across 5 continents.

In 2023/24 2:22 - A Ghost Story embarked on its first extensive, hugely successful UK tour which was followed by another successful tour in autumn 2025. For 2026 the production is back on the road revisiting some cities due to popular demand, and also visiting new places where audiences can enjoy the thrill the show delivers for the very first time!

Previous cast have included Lily Allen, James Buckley, Giovanna Fletcher, Mandip Gill, Scott Karim, Ricky Champ, Clifford Samuel, Jay McGuinness, Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley, to name but a few of the stars who have trod the boards in the hit show.

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 said: ‘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.’

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.’

2:22 - A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound and illusions by Chris Fisher. 2:22 - A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon.

2.22 – A Ghost Story takes to the Derngate stage from Thursday 8 to Saturday 17 January. To check times or to book, visit  www.royalandderngate.co.uk/222-a-ghost-story or call Box Office on 01604 624811