TV presenter Laura Whitmore has been a familiar face on our television screens for the last eight weeks as she has hosted Love Island UK. But the 37-year-old is now swapping the TV for the theatre stage and will be making her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Laura won't be the only new addition, as the supernatural thriller play written by Danny Robins will see a full cast change next month. From September 6, audiences will be able to see Busted singer Matt Willis take to the stage alongside Archers actor Felix Scott and Australian actress Tamsin Carroll.
It will be the fourth edition of the play and will run until January 8. The cast currently starring in the production in the Criterion Theatre - where it will continue for it's fourth run - include Harry Potter star Tom Felton and Doctor Who's Mandip Gill.
The West End show has previously seen cast members including pop star Lily Allen, podcast host Giovanna Fletcher, Encanto’s Stephanie Beatriz and Inbetweeners actor James Buckley. The play tells the story of Jenny, who believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam doesn't agree and the argument continues with dinner guests, Lauren and Ben.
Laura, who has just finished presenting the latest series of ITV2’s hit dating show alongside its spin-off series Aftersun, will take on the role of Jenny. It comes after the TV and radio host announced in July that she would be stepping down from her BBC Radio 5 Live Show after four years of broadcasting.
“I’m so excited to be making my West End debut playing Jenny in the next production of 2:22," the Irish TV presenter said of her latest role: “Theatre has always been my first love and I can’t wait to get back on stage. I am a huge fan of the previous productions and delighted to be getting stuck in with rehearsals and working alongside such a hugely talented cast and team.”
Matt Willis, who will star as Ben, added: “I saw the production last year and absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for people to come and watch.” The pair will be joined on stage by Tamsin as Lauren and Felix as Sam.
“This is our fourth West End cast. We have already done over 100 performances at the Criterion and over a year in the West End in total," Director Matthew Dunster said: "These are the shows you dream of being involved in. To reach, entertain and frighten as many people as we have feels very special.
“The show constantly evolves – each brilliant cast teaches us new things about Danny’s play and surprises our audiences, many of whom come again and again to experience the new life of the play. I’m so excited to be working with Isabel Marr, my co-director to realise this fourth version of the show that finally gives us the opportunity to scare the s*** out of people on Halloween.”
For more details or to book tickets visit 222aghoststory.com
