Stacey Dooley & Kevin Clifton Lead UK Tour of '2:22 - A Ghost Story'
Key Insights
Star Casting:: TV presenter Stacey Dooley and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton, a couple in real life, will play the lead roles of Jenny and Sam.
Historic First:: This is the first time in the play's history that a genuine couple will portray the central characters.
Dooley Returns:: Stacey Dooley reprises her role as Jenny, having previously performed in the West End production at the Gielgud Theatre in 2024.
Clifton's Debut:: Kevin Clifton makes his debut in the play as Sam, a role he has long desired.
Extensive Tour:: The tour commences on August 4, 2025, at Manchester Opera House and runs until November 2025 with Dooley and Clifton. A second leg with different casting will run from January to June 2026, visiting numerous cities across the UK.
Why this matters:: Casting a real-life couple brings a potentially new dynamic to the characters' relationship, likely attracting fans of both the stars and the established hit play. It underscores the show's ongoing popularity and successful touring model.
In-Depth Analysis
Background on '2:22 - A Ghost Story'
Written by Danny Robins, creator of the BBC's 'Uncanny' podcast and TV series, '2:22 - A Ghost Story' is a critically acclaimed supernatural thriller. The plot centers around Jenny, who believes her new house is haunted, and her skeptical husband, Sam. During a dinner party with friends Lauren and Ben, belief clashes with disbelief as strange occurrences intensify, leading them to stay awake until the eerie hour of 2:22 AM.
Tour Details and Creative Team
The production, directed by Matthew Dunster (with Gabriel Vega Weissman also mentioned in one source), has enjoyed significant success with multiple West End seasons and international productions, reportedly seen by over a million people worldwide. The tour boasts a strong creative team, including set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, and illusions by Chris Fisher. The tour produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David, and Kater Gordon will visit cities including Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, Birmingham, Brighton, and many more throughout 2025 and 2026. New dates in Crawley and Buxton have also been added.
Stars' Excitement
Both Dooley and Clifton have expressed enthusiasm for the project. Dooley called her previous run "magical" and is excited to take the show on the road. Clifton, a self-proclaimed "huge fan" of the play, mentioned seeing it multiple times and specifically wanting the role of Sam. He noted the casting felt "perfect" given their real-life relationship and recent parenthood.
Continued Success
The play has consistently attracted high-profile casts, including Lily Allen, Cheryl, Giovanna Fletcher, and James Buckley, contributing to its sustained buzz and box office success.
FAQs
What is '2:22 - A Ghost Story' about?
It's a supernatural thriller where a woman named Jenny believes her new home is haunted, much to her husband Sam's disbelief. During a tense dinner party, they decide to stay awake until 2:22 AM to uncover the truth.
Who are Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton?
Stacey Dooley is a well-known British television presenter and documentary filmmaker. Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer, famous for his time on BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing', and has starred in musicals like 'Chicago' and 'Strictly Ballroom'. They are partners in real life.
When and where is the tour?
The tour starts August 4, 2025, at the Manchester Opera House. Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton will star until November 29, 2025, visiting cities like Bristol, Glasgow, Sunderland, and Brighton. A second leg with a different cast runs from January to June 2026, covering many more UK locations. Check official listings for specific dates and venues.
Key Takeaways
See a real-life couple tackle the complex dynamic of Jenny and Sam on stage.
Experience the chills and thrills of a hit supernatural play in a theatre near you across the UK.
Witness the trend of popular personalities transitioning to or starring in major stage productions.
Discussion
Do you think casting a real-life couple enhances the play's dynamic? Will you be getting tickets? Let us know your thoughts!
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Sources & References
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