2:22 A Ghost Story - A Hauntingly Good Time

2:22 A Ghost Story - A Hauntingly Good Time

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Disclosure - We were invited along to the press night of 2:22 A Ghost Story

I have always enjoyed going to the theatre and I have mentioned before that although I love musicals we have been exploring different types of shows over the past few years including The Mouse Trap, Wish You Were Dead and Murder In The Dark. They have really opened our eyes to what the theatre can offer and we have really enjoyed the suspense these type of shows create. We recently went to see 2:22 A Ghost Story and had no idea what to expect as we try to avoid any reviews. If you do like to know a little about a show before watching then keep reading our review of 2:22 A Ghost Story at The Lowry.

Plot and Setting

Set in a modern-day home that feels both familiar and unsettlingly isolated, 2:22 A Ghost Story centres around Jenny and her husband Sam, who have recently moved into a new house. Jenny is convinced that the house is haunted, hearing strange noises every night at 2:22 AM. Sam, a skeptic, dismisses her fears as mere imagination. The tension between belief and skepticism is a central theme of the play.

One night the couple invites their friends Lauren and Ben over for dinner, the conversation inevitably turns to the paranormal. What begins as a casual evening of drinks and debates soon descends into a night of fear and revelation. The play's real-time format keeps the audience on edge, counting down to the 2:22 moment, building anticipation with every tick of the clock.

Characters and Performances

The strength of 2:22 A Ghost Story lies in its characters and the actors' performances. Jenny portrayed by Fiona Wade has a raw vulnerability that makes her fears more realistic. As a new mum it would be easy for the audience to assume she is suffering from lack of sleep however her terrified belief is compelling and believable.

Sam portrayed by George Rainsford is a rational thinker, everything can be explained and does make a good argument when trying to figure out exactly what is happening.  

Lauren and Ben, the couple’s friends, add layers of complexity to the narrative. Lauren portrayed by Vera Chok is more open to the supernatural and acts as an intermediary, bridging the gap between Jenny and Sam's polar beliefs. Ben portrayed by Jay McGuiness has his own experiences with the supernatural and does everything he can to prove Jenny is right. 

The dynamics between these four characters are electric, with sharp, witty dialogue that keeps the audience engaged. The actors' chemistry ensures that each emotional beat hits with full force, making their fear and tension feel immediate and real.

Direction and Atmosphere

Under the deft direction of Matthew Dunster, the play’s atmosphere is one of constant unease. The set design is brilliantly claustrophobic, with shadows and dim lighting creating a sense of impending dread. Every creak and groan of the house is amplified, turning the setting into a character in its own right.

Sound plays a crucial role in building tension. The use of silence, punctuated by sudden, jarring noises, keeps the audience on edge. The countdown to 2:22 AM is particularly effective, with each passing minute heightening the sense of impending doom.

Our Thoughts

2:22 A Ghost Story explores the human need to make sense of the inexplicable. Jenny’s insistence on the house being haunted stems from a deeper need for answers, a way to rationalise her fears and anxieties. Sam’s refusal to believe is equally telling, a defence mechanism against the chaos that accepting the supernatural would bring into his orderly world.

The play is a masterful blend of psychological drama and supernatural thriller. It captivates with its well-drawn characters, sharp dialogue, and relentless tension. The play doesn’t just scare; it provokes thought, challenging the audience to question their own beliefs about the unknown.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, “2:22 A Ghost Story” will leave you questioning what you think you know and looking over your shoulder long after the final curtain falls. It’s a hauntingly good time that is not to be missed.

To book tickets for the UK Tour or you can visit 2:22 A Ghost Story for tickets for London

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Michelle

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The Ultimate Bedroom Renovation Checklist

The Ultimate Bedroom Renovation Checklist

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post 

Transforming your bedroom into the sumptuous sanctuary of your dreams? A little preparation and planning go a long way towards pulling off the picture-perfect renovation you envision.

Colour schemes. 

Scrolling through the million-pound houses on Rightmove or Zoopla will easily lead you to a few exciting colour schemes. Another great way to find colour inspiration is interior design magazines – the best photos usually make their way to print rather than online.  

Stuck? You can't go wrong with these classics:

• Midnight blue, white, and natural brown. 
• Green, pink, and yellow. 
• Monochrome. 
• Soft pink, white, and light grey. 

Interior designs

Mid-century modern, minimalist, Scandinavian, and boho are the most popular bedroom interior designs in 2024. Getting the look starts with your bed frame. This should set the scene for your style and create a focal point that draws the eye. 

Classic sleigh beds are wonderful for adding luxury to your space, or you can keep it light and airy with a metal bed. Need storage? Check out ottoman beds. 

Pictured: Aspire Chesterfield 4FT 6 Double Sleigh Bed Frame. Priced £493 (Save £405 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.

Schedule Contractors Well In Advance 

Building work is a nightmare when you can't find contractors to work around each other, so contact your tradespeople 4-6 months ahead of your target start date to lock in everyone from builders and electricians to plasterers, plumbers, and decorators. 

Good tradespeople are easy to find by asking neighbours and family for recommendations, or you can use Google to find local services.  

Meticulous Planning And Sourcing 

Trying to plan a room refresh on the fly all but guarantees missed details and oversights. Have every component nailed down with an itemised shopping list covering everything from room dimensions and paint samples to furnishings, light fixtures, tiles and more. 

Gather catalogues, browse showrooms, and source samples in advance so you are prepared for the eleventh hour.

Pictured: Bedmr Quest Childrens Wooden 3 Drawer Bed – White. Priced £350 (Save £48 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.

Stay One Step Ahead With Furniture 

With that sprawling master bed as your stylish centrepiece, you'll want its replacement sourced and sized well beforehand to prevent delays. Prioritise ordering your dream mattress and bed frame early, especially for made-to-order or custom pieces, subject to manufacturing lead times. 

Don't leave this critical decision as an afterthought!

Pictured: Birlea Bedroom Furniture and Bed. Available from Bedstar.

Don't Skimp On Premium Lighting

Define practical task zones like vanities with surgical-level illumination, then craft an indulgent lounging area with soft, inviting layers of ambient and accent lighting. Explore statement fixtures like Sputnik chandeliers, sculptural sconces, and colour-changing lamps to give your bedroom a curated appearance. 

Consider Window Treatments

Will the room need black-out curtains, casual Roman shades, or a blend allowing seamless light control? Measure twice to ensure a precise fit. 

Custom window treatments can command up to a 6-week lead time, and you don't want to be left in the cold (or blazing sun) while you await completion.

Account For Tech Installations

Is this a prime opportunity to embrace smart tech like app-controlled split air conditioning, wireless audio-visuals, or home automation solutions? If so, loop in the relevant experts early to map out cabling routes and infrastructure housing correctly.

TV beds are an excellent way to save space in your media setup, with high-end models like the Star TV Edge boasting a 5.1.2 surround sound system. 

Pictured: Voice Activated 4FT 6 Double TV Bed - Velluto Graphite. Priced £878 (Save £520 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.

Design Extras

Finishing touches like plush area rugs, artwork, decorative accessories, and soft furnishings can seriously impact your budget and timeline. Price out favourites as your planning progresses to ensure there are no last-minute bombshells—rugs can be costly, although places like Dunelm Mill and The Range usually have sales all year. 

Hire Professional Cleaners 

Once construction wraps, you might want to bring in an ultra-thorough cleaning crew to handle decontamination and make the space sparkling new again before moving in. 

Alternatively, buy a cheap cylinder vacuum and hoover up all the dust and nasties yourself, leaving your expensive Dyson for less demanding tasks. 

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Michelle

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Understanding The Importance of Building Stronger Employee Relationships

Understanding The Importance of Building Stronger Employee Relationships

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

Did you know that employees spend as much as one-third of their lives at work? Your employees are the heart and soul of your business. That's why strong employee relations, and fostering positive connections within your workforce, are not just a feel-good initiative – they're a strategic investment. A happy and connected team is a productive team. When employees feel valued and supported by their colleagues, they're more engaged, collaborative, and motivated to excel. This leads to improved performance, reduced turnover, and a more positive work environment for everyone.

How do you build stronger employee relationships in your organisation? Is there a way to build better employee connections? 

There are multiple ways to go about building employee relations, but as an HR manager or company owner, you must look beyond conventional HR engagements like workshops and seminars and choose meaningful employee engagement through team-building activities. In this article, we focus on the positive outcomes of building stronger employee-to-employee relationships in your organisation while highlighting initiatives you can take.

Fostering Collaboration

Working together in an organisation brings the constant need for interaction and collaboration between employees. A good collaborative ethic forms the foundation for success, without which your company’s goals can crumble.

A wonderful way to enhance the work relationships between your staff is by engaging in team-building activities. For example, you can get custom Lego sets designed with your company’s logo and tagline and organise a friendly brick-building competition amongst your teams. Alternatively, you could arrange for your team members to lend a helping hand at the nearest animal rescue shelter as a CSR activity.

Enhancing Communication

It is no secret how vital open communication is for the success of any relationship, including office connections. A smooth two-way communication between employees belonging to the same or different teams can build better connections. Without open dialogues between team members,  miscommunication and coordination issues can crop up easily.

Organise events outside of office hours where your employees are more likely to be at ease and have more natural conversations. The positive effect of such after-hours initiatives is improved coordination, workflow and idea-sharing among employees around the workplace. 

Additionally, introducing off-beat activities like playing ‘the telephone game’ also ensures your employees interact with other team members they haven’t before and opens the doors for communication. 

Improved Productivity

Every company forms teams to control and manage various tasks, from finance to sales to HR. For the smooth functioning of any organisation, all teams and their members need to be on the same page when working towards a common objective. However, productivity can take a hit if team members do not feel comfortable with each other.

When team members understand and appreciate each other, they are more motivated. Employees who feel like part of a team are more likely to go the extra mile. They collaborate more effectively, share ideas openly, and tackle challenges head-on. This can then lead to a significant boost in productivity levels, ultimately benefitting your business. 

Connecting Remote Teams

With remote and hybrid working as the new norm across businesses, you’ll benefit greatly from finding ways to connect with employees working from different locations across the globe. You can introduce various activities to foster connections between employees and help remote team members get to know each other better. 

Though you cannot interact with your employees face-to-face, get creative and organise activities such as online gaming and virtual lunches that open the floor to dialogue and interactions.

Despite the distance, you can create a positive work environment and a sense of community for your remote employees.

Build Better Trust

Without strong employee-to-employee relationships, team members cannot build trust and may find it quite difficult to communicate and collaborate on new tasks. Timely intervention is required in bonding team members or your organisation’s goals can be impacted.

This is where team-building activities can help strengthen the trust factor between employees in their work relationships. 

One way is to engage them in an obstacle course, where one team member is blindfolded and has to depend on other teammates for instructions to complete the course. Another activity is to play games like Pictionary where team members rely on each other to win. Through these interactive tasks and games, you can build better coordination and trust among your staff members.

In Summary

Taking a little time to think of out-of-the-box ways to boost better office bonding amongst your employees can go a long way in fostering richer and stronger employee relationships. Your active involvement can also improve employee morale, develop confidence, boost motivation and prevent problems. Strong employee relationships can lead to long-term organisational success.

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Michelle

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Unforgettable Family Holidays in the UK: Discovering Fun, Safety, and Adventure

Unforgettable Family Holidays in the UK: Discovering Fun, Safety, and Adventure

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

You all know we love a good family holiday but when I think of planning a family holiday I automatically think of travelling to another country. However the UK is a beautiful country, with so much to enjoy right on our doorstep. Whether you are looking to learn all about its history, take in the stunning landscapes or family-friendly attractions, the UK is a top choice for creating unforgettable memories.

Whatever you are looking for the UK can offer a variety of destinations perfect for families. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best family holiday spots in the UK and share tips on ensuring a safe and stress-free trip including how you can never lose your family car using a car tracking device.

Top Family Holiday Destinations in the UK

Cornwall: Coastal Adventures

Although we have never been to Cornwall, I had to put it top of my list. It's one of the places I really want to visit as soon as possible as it looks stunning with its golden beaches and charming seaside towns, a real paradise for families. Although I'm not a massive fan of the sea I can imagine the boys enjoying surfing lessons in Newquay, whilst John and I explore the mystical Tintagel Castle. Another reason to visit Cornwall would be to visit the Eden Project, home to the world's largest indoor rainforest. For a mix of adventure and relaxation, Cornwall is an ideal choice.

Lake District: Nature's Playground

As regular visitors to The Lake District I can honestly say we never get bored. There is just so much to see and do whether it's enjoying a boat trip on Lake Windermere, hiking through Grizedale Forest or just relaxing in a coffeeshop in Ambleside. The Lake District is ideal for those who enjoy the great outdoors however we always ensure we have lots of ideas for rainy days in the Lakes as the weather is very unpredictable. The scenic beauty and numerous activities, such as kayaking and wildlife spotting, ensure that both kids and adults will have an unforgettable experience.

London: Urban Excitement

Again another city we visit at least once a year is our capital city, London. London has everything you need for a fun holiday that is packed with attractions for families. Visit the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum, enjoy a day out at the London Zoo, or take a ride on the iconic London Eye. There is also nothing better than seeing London's landmarks from the River Thames. Hop on a boat cruise and see the London Eye, Big Ben and St Pauls Cathedral from the comfort of your boat. London's parks, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, offer plenty of space for picnics and playtime.

Edinburgh: Historical Wonders

Another city on my 'to visit' list is Edinburgh. Edinburgh combines rich history with vibrant culture. Explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, and if you are a fan of Harry Potter like us you can visit the various landmarks that inspired the books. The city's festivals, including the famous Edinburgh Fringe, provide endless entertainment options for families.

Wales: Adventure and Relaxation

When I was growing up we would visit Wales every year for our annual holiday. My dad would pack up the car and I would watch from the window as we passed stunning landscapes and charming villages. It was like another world and I still get that feeling now everytime we visit. Families can explore Snowdonia National Park, visit the fairy-tale Castell Coch, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Pembrokeshire. The Welsh countryside is perfect for activities like cycling, horse riding, and camping.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Family Holiday

Plan Ahead

Research your destinations and book accommodations in advance. Look for family-friendly hotels and restaurants to ensure everyone's comfort.

Pack Smart

Pack essentials such as first aid kits, snacks, and entertainment for the kids. Don't forget weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring.

Keep Everyone Involved

Engage the whole family in planning activities. Letting kids have a say in the itinerary can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay Flexible

While planning is important, being flexible can help you adapt to unexpected changes, like weather shifts or sudden closures of attractions.

Safety First

Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. While enjoying the many attractions the UK has to offer, ensuring your family's safety and peace of mind is paramount. One crucial aspect is securing your transportation. We use a car tracking device which is perfect for our trips. Knowing you can always locate your car allows you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about where you parked. On family holidays, the car often becomes a home away from home, storing everything from snacks to souvenirs. Losing your car can quickly turn a dream holiday into a stressful nightmare. 

Family holidays in the UK offer a blend of adventure, education, and relaxation. From the coastal charm of Cornwall to the bustling excitement of London, there's something for every family to enjoy. By planning carefully you can create lasting memories without the stress. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an unforgettable family adventure in the UK!

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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7 Money-Saving Techniques for Wanderlust

7 Money-Saving Techniques for Wanderlust

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Disclosure - this is a collaborative post 

We have come out of the turbulence created by COVID-19 and started to travel actively - this is the best thing that has happened in the last few years. But the issue of tightening monetary policy is still making itself felt and the labor market is gradually declining. Against this background, it is logical to reconsider your costs.

If you are not ready to give up traveling, but still want to save money, I hasten to please you - it is possible. It is impossible to tell in a nutshell how to save money for travel. We have prepared for you 7 ways that work today and help you reduce your expenses, sometimes even by 30%.

7 Budget Ways to Travel

Collect and Use Points and Miles

Many people know about this, but I have no right to skip this point - miles and points are friends of travellers. This is an absolutely legal, working and proven way to save money. Simply, when purchasing airline tickets, use your miles to pay for part of the ticket. They are awarded to you for using credit cards. If you're a true enthusiast, you might even be able to cover your entire flight costs, but you need to prepare in advance. 

Be Anonymous When Booking Hotels and Buying Air Tickets

Nowadays absolutely everyone is watching us on the Internet: companies, websites, bots, ISPs and even hackers. The concept of anonymity and privacy is always considered from the point of view of moral peace, but it can also help save money.

Try installing a VPN and changing your IP address. Then go to a hotel booking or airline ticket booking site and check the prices. A dynamic pricing strategy can help you save money. For residents of certain regions there are often promotions or simply different prices. By posing as a resident of that region, you can save money.

For example, when booking a hotel, you can try to connect to a VPN server in the country where you are going to travel. For locals, prices are often lower, and local hotels are also available in the search, which may be hidden from an international user by Google or a similar system.

Advice! It happens to me that I can't connect to VPN. No matter how many times I press, VPN won't connect, it tries, and then the connection is lost. My solution is to change the VPN server or even the VPN provider. Although you can also try other solutions to the problem of VPN not working in your browser, smartphone or PC. For example, you can change the communication protocol, reinstall the VPN, switch to a paid tariff, etc.

Choose the Right Time

If your main goal is to save money, then you should be more flexible in planning your trip. Try to visit the country during off-peak season. Another way is to analyse airfare prices by day. Often, prices are highest at the beginning of the week and at the end. On weekdays in the middle of the week you can buy a ticket 5% cheaper. Please note that traveling in the off-season is not always possible due to the climate or cultural characteristics of the region.

Let's illustrate this tip. If you're planning a flight from New York to Paris over Christmas, you'll be spending $870-$910. If you go on December 24-25, the price will be $480-560. Not a bad saving, isn't it?

You Can Take Snacks With You

Any purchases at the airport or from street vendors in tourist areas are financially unprofitable. You can just take some snacks with you on the road and ignore the food courts. Moreover, now there are protein bars. They are much more organic and better for a healthy diet than any fast food.

Try Contacting the Hotel Directly

Hotels can often offer a better price if you book directly rather than through aggregator sites, such as Hostelworld or Booking.com. You can call them by phone and find out all the details. Perhaps there are some bonuses, loyalty programs or more affordable rooms in the old building. Also, many of them have the ability to make online calls.

Use a Travel Agent

Travel agents can often offer a better price for an all-inclusive holiday than booking everything manually. Often hotels offer them special terms of cooperation, inexpensive transfers and excursions for their groups of tourists. Everything in a group is usually cheaper per tourist. I'm not saying you'll save money, but it's worth a try. My trips to Mexico and Crete cost me $370 and $280 less, respectively, compared to my personal miscalculation.

Use Free Travel Insurance

None of us can guarantee that everything will go smoothly during the trip. But buying insurance is also quite expensive. How about using free insurance? To do this, you need to find out about the conditions for using credit cards in banks in your region. Some may offer free travel insurance if you book your trip using their credit products. This way you will be safe and will not spend a cent extra.

There are many more ways to save money, but most are tied to a specific location. So I forbid you to buy carpets in Turkey or touch people in Asia. This has financial consequences. But these are local features that you should become familiar with before visiting each country. Moreover, we already have a lot of valuable tips and reviews of great places in most countries of the world. Just use other materials on our blog.

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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49 Things To Do In Manchester This Month (May 2024)

49 Things To Do In Manchester This Month (May 2024)

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Manchester is one of my favourite cities as it has everything you need for a day out, weekened away or even a week. Our What's On Guide will give you lots of ideas on how to spend a weekend with 49 things to do in Manchester this month. There is plenty to keep you busy whether you are spending it with the family, friends, your partner or on your own. 

Image by Sky and Glass on Freepik

Click To Theatre, Shows, Music and Concerts

Click To Parks, Outdoors and National Trust

Click To Indoor Entertainment Venues

Click To Escape Rooms

Click To Trampoline Parks and Indoor Play Centres

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