James Bye, Natalie Casey, Gary Lucy and Shvorne Marks will lead the UK tour of 2:22 – A Ghost Story when the smash-hit supernatural thriller resumes in January 2026.
The new cast will star in the next leg of the touring production, which returns following a scheduled break and continues its extensive UK run from 8 January at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate.
Directed by Matthew Dunster (The Hunger Games on Stage) and Gabriel Vega Weissman, this new company marks the latest chapter in the show’s hugely successful national tour, which has already played to packed houses across the UK in 2023/24 and 2025.
James Bye – widely known for playing Martin Fowler in EastEnders – will take over as Sam, Natalie Casey (Hollyoaks; Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) will play Lauren, Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, The Bill, EastEnders) joins as Ben and Shvorne Marks (Three Little Birds, ITV; Spy/Master, HBO) — currently playing Lauren — will switch roles to play Jenny for the 2026 dates.
The current UK tour stars Kevin Clifton, Stacey Dooley, Grant Kilburn and Marks. Previous stars of the show include Lily Allen, Giovanna Fletcher, Cheryl, and Jay McGuiness.
Cast reactions
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 commented: “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 added: “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, so I’m really happy my journey with 2:22 isn’t over yet.”
A continuing UK-wide success
2:22 – A Ghost Story has become a major phenomenon since premiering at the Noël Coward Theatre in 2021. The production has enjoyed seven West End seasons, twelve replica productions worldwide, and has been seen by more than 1.1 million people across 17 countries. It was named Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards and received multiple Olivier Award nominations.
Following two earlier tours — the first in 2023/24 and a second in 2025 — the production now continues its nationwide journey in 2026, revisiting fan-favourite cities and reaching new audiences.
About the play
Written by award-winning writer and Uncanny creator Danny Robins, the play centres on Jenny, who is convinced her new home is haunted. Her husband Sam dismisses her fears, but when their dinner guests Lauren and Ben join the debate, belief and scepticism collide. Determined to get answers, the group agrees to stay awake until 2:22 to uncover the truth — with chilling consequences.
The creative team includes set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, and illusions by Chris Fisher.
2026 UK Tour
The tour resumes in Northampton before continuing to Bath, Norwich, Richmond, Plymouth, Cardiff, Oxford, Portsmouth, Tunbridge Wells, Woking, York, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Llandudno, Aberdeen, Wolverhampton, Edinburgh, Aylesbury, Bromley, Cambridge and Eastbourne.
Book tickets to 2:22 A Ghost Story – UK Tour
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