It’s a sin star Nathaniel Curtis and EastEnders Louisa Lytton head to Norwich Theatre Royal in the spine-tingling play 2:22 A Ghost Story. We sat down with the pair to talk about a horror fan’s dream play, whether they believe in ghosts and heading out on tour.
Can you tell us a bit about 2:22 A Ghost Story?
Louisa: 2:22 is ultimately a ghost story set in one location in a newly renovated house in London. It’s a thrilling play that revolves around two couples at a dinner party – a married couple called Jenny and Sam, who have a newborn baby, and a new couple called Ben and Lauren. As the night unravels, the show delves into beliefs, hope and the supernatural world.
What attracted you to this play?
Louisa: I was drawn to the role of Jenny from the moment I first read the play. She’s such an interesting character with so many layers. It’s such a heightened, emotional role for me to play as I also recently became a mum, and there was so much I could relate to. I was also drawn to the play as it’s a ghost story and a thriller, which is a genre I’ve never done before. I was excited to do something outside of my comfort zone, and the script is amazing.
Nathaniel: I’m going to be honest. I don’t actually like horror. So, I really didn’t want to see the show initially. When I eventually saw the play, I was sat next to friends who had already seen it, and I asked them to squeeze my leg before every scary bit. I just couldn’t cope with it otherwise. So bless them, every time there was about to be a scare, they tapped me on the leg.
How do you prepare for the role of Jenny?
Louisa: There’s a lot of preparation needed for this role because Jenny is on stage for the entire time and does not sit still for the whole two hours. When it comes to researching being a new mum, I definitely have that covered! I hope that I can bring a lot to the character and draw on my own experiences.
How do you prepare for the role of Jenny?
Louisa: There’s a lot of preparation needed for this role because Jenny is on stage for the entire time and does not sit still for the whole two hours. When it comes to researching being a new mum, I definitely have that covered! I hope that I can bring a lot to the character and draw on my own experiences.
Do you believe in ghosts? Have you had any supernatural experiences?
Nathaniel: I do not believe in ghosts, and frankly, if I did, I wouldn’t be able to do the show because I’d freak myself out too much.
Louisa: Yes, I do. I definitely believe in life after death and believe that there are spirits on this earth. I’ve had quite a few experiences from a young age. Even today, my husband had gone out for a walk, and I was on my own with my little girl. I then heard the door open, and someone came in, but I went to check, and no one was there.
Are you easily scared? What scares you?
Nathaniel: I’m very easily frightened. Puppets scare me in particular, and marionettes! I was in a music video for Years & Years where I wore a headpiece with live snakes coming out once. Absolutely terrifying.
Louisa: I am very easily scared, so it’ll be quite interesting when I’m on stage in the pitch-black telling a ghost story!
What will audiences love the most about the show?
Nathaniel: The audience is going to get involved whether they like it or not. An involuntary immersive experience, you could say.
Louisa: I think as an audience member, you really do get involved with the suspense and the tension of the show, so it’s quite interactive in that sense. It’s also really funny, and you can take a lot away from this play because, ultimately, we’re looking at relationships and people’s viewpoints and beliefs. It definitely appeals to a wide audience as everyone has an opinion on this subject matter.
What do you like best about heading on tour?
Nathaniel: The idea of making theatre accessible is so important to me. To be able to put on a show for people in their own town is such a privilege. If I’d had great shows like this visiting my local theatre when I was growing up, things would have been very different for me! The idea of being able to take this story to people where they are is amazing.
Louisa: I love playing different theatres around the country and seeing how different all the audiences are in different cities. And I love theatre. It’s my favourite thing to do in the whole world so I’m very excited to be back on stage.
2:22 A Ghost Story is at Norwich Theatre Royal between 10 -14 Oct. For more information or to book (if you dare) click the link below or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
