Peter James is synonymous with some of the biggest and best crime novels, many of which have been adapted into stage plays. Picture You Dead is the latest in that series.
Two years (almost to the day!) since Peter James' stories last graced The Alex's stage, an all star cast, which includes George Rainsford (Casualty), Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman) and Fiona Wade (2:22 A Ghost Story) bring the 19th book in his series of Roy Grace novels to life.
Back home in Brighton, DSI Grace investigates a cold case that leads him to the secretive world of fine art, but beneath the respectable veneer lurks a dark underworld of deception and murder.
When one unsuspecting couple unearth a potentially priceless masterpiece, they discover that their dream find is about to turn into their worst nightmare, and only Grace can stop them from paying the ultimate price.
Taking place on a single, imposing set, Picture You Dead is a simple premise but one which is executed, in every way, with a great deal of skill. The action takes place on two sides of a large space - which acts as a beautiful metaphor for the audience, truly showing the two sides to the story. It allows us to glimpse into the lives of protagonists who aren't currently front and centre of the stage which is a novel - but welcome - point of difference.
The show is very much a piece of two halves. Act 1 set's up the story with act 2 adding meat to the bones and leading to an explosive conclusion.
Rainsford shines as Roy Grace - a role which he plays in a significantly different way to that which was seen in the recent ITV drama series. He gives the character a believability and a loveable side which means he has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first moments on stage.
Wade brings a multi-faceted take on Freya, darting from frantic to reassuring and every emotion in between. Oduba brings a charm and sophistication to the role o Stuart Piper, the man pulling the strings and receiving the boo's from the audience however special mention has to go to Jodie Steele who was phenomenal as Roberta.
Embodying 'hench-woman' and giving just the right mix of sass to confidence, I've only ever seen her in musicals (where she takes the roof off night after night) so it was lovely to see her acting prowess at the forefront.
All in all, whilst the story is simple, Picture You Dead perfectly balances humour, drama and suspense - attributes which make it probably one of the best productions of its kind touring the UK at the moment.
Picture You Dead plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 28th June 2025. For more information and to get your tickets, head to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
