Photography: Alistair Muir
Picture You Dead at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
11th March 2025.
This latest theatrical installment from the pen of Peter James, adapted for the stage by Shaun McKenna, is beautifully entitled Picture You Dead. It’s as clever a title as ever, because the action revolves around a couple who stumble upon a priceless work of art at a car boot sale – only to discover that what they believe to be their new found fortune is about to put their very lives at risk. Somebody is prepared to go to extreme lengths to get their own hands on it. The story features firm fan favourite Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, who is simultaneously involved in re-opening a cold case which, combined with a new murder and an attempted burglary, all seem to point in the same direction. The two plotlines quickly become entangled and the race to solve the mystery begins. I am absolutely obsessed with thrillers, and have seen all of the Peter James adaptations on stage to date, so I take my seat with high expectations and my detective senses a-tingling.
The set, as is often the way with this franchise, is highly ambitious. Adrian Linford has managed to create an art studio, a comfy home, a police station and more besides, all within the confines of a relatively tight proscenium stage space. The very clever use of space serves to enhance the action and the sense of suspense. I’m especially impressed with the level of meticulous detail in the art work on display. Alongside Jason Taylor’s lighting which serves to focus the eye, and Max Pappenheim’s music, the mood is capably captured at every moment.
George Rainsford reprises his role as DSI Grace, the investigating officer. Rainsford makes the detective sharp and observant, sensitive and yet serious. He never slips into caricature. Peter Ash is simply wonderful as artist David Hegarty (a character based upon real life art forger David Henty), who brings charm, humour and heart to every scene he is in. We are never truly certain where his allegiances lie.
Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler are very credible as the couple who believe that they’ve found gold – Freya and Harry. They have an endearing chemistry which leaps off the stage – we feel that we know them from the off, and this means that we are totally invested in them when things start to go south for them.
The villain of the piece (or is she?!) is Roberta Kilgore. Kilgore is portrayed by West End legend Jodie Steele and she absolutely nails the baddie vibes – it feels like every appearance she makes is met with a sharp intake of breath from the front row of the stalls! She could not have been more convincingly conniving. Sheer brilliance. Steele’s chemistry with Nicholas Maude’s art collector Stuart Piper is wonderful. Other cast members have their moment to shine, notably Adam Morris, who plays out a very enjoyable vignette as Oliver De Souza, a specialist on the Antiques Roadshow. The mannerisms and asides to camera are beautifully captured.
I can’t tell you too much more because I would never dream of spoiling your enjoyment of seeing the piece for yourself. Suffice to say, if you’ve seen any of the other Peter James pieces you’ll not be disappointed by this one. If you’ve never given them a try, go and see it – it’s a great introduction to the series. Suspenseful, energetic and surprisingly funny. The tension mounts to sweltering levels with superb direction from Jonathan O’Boyle. Did I figure out how it all unravels? Not a chance! But that is half the fun – you’ll be guessing until the end.
Picture You Dead is at The Theatre Royal Nottingham until Saturday 15th March 2025.
