Picture You Dead - Norwich Theatre Royal (01.04.2025)

Guest review by Annabel Johnson

Avid readers will be no stranger to Peter James, the award-winning crime author with 36 novels under his belt, and quite quickly he is also becoming a household name in the world of theatre. Picture You Dead is the seventh of James’ books to be adapted for stage since 2014 and is currently showing at Norwich Theatre Royal as part of its debut tour.

For those of you, like myself, who are unfamiliar with James’ work, Picture You Dead is the eighteenth book of twenty-one in the ‘Roy Grace’ series. The books follows the life of DSI Roy Grace and can be read in order, or each book can be taken as a standalone story – therefore allowing any to be adapted into a stage show without audience members feeling they’ve missed a major plot point.

As far as this production goes, the first half is slow, with the action only really bursting into life immediately before the interval. It begins with the Kiplings accidentally purchasing a piece of priceless artwork from a car boot for £20. The couple soon find themselves embroiled in a deadly underworld of art dealership and it is only DSI Roy Grace that can save the day – and here lies the problem. Despite being his second time playing DSI Grace, Casualty actor George Rainsford is underwhelming as the hero. Rainsford showed little personality in his character and felt very bland. Perhaps this is exactly how the character is written, but being the protagonist of twenty Sunday Times bestsellers, I imagine DSI Grace was written with much more depth than Rainsford portrayed.

Emmerdale’s Fiona Wade similarly disappointed as Freya Kipling. Wade certainly showed energy in her character, however, at times this felt a bit over the top. Wade’s speech felt very forced and unnatural. Fortunately she was supported by the wonderful Ben Cutler as her husband, Harry Kipling, whose stage presence made for a much more grounded, comfortable performance.

In stark contrast, Nicholas Maude and Jodie Steele stole the show as malevolent art collectors Stuart ‘Piper’ and Roberta Kilgore. Their chemistry and pace were pivotal in moving the story along. Steele, in particular, commanded the stage in every scene she was in. Ever the multifaceted performer, she impressively switched between accents, giving the audience much-needed, albeit sinister, comedic moments.

The set was expertly designed. The stage was split in two halves, one showing the Kipling’s home, and the other showing an art studio – later doubling up as an art gallery. The two halves of the set were a beautiful visual juxtaposition of the simple lives of the Kiplings, and the messy, complicated lives of those characters involved in art dealership. More prominently known for his TV roles, Peter Ash proved his worth in this performance, playing the ex-criminal art forger, Dave Hegarty. Ash was incredibly likeable and versatile in his role, treading a fine line between these two different worlds, often appearing on both sides of the set.

Whether you’re a fan of the books or just looking for a light thriller, this is a great watch, balancing both tension and comedy throughout. Being a show that likely would have sold out on its own merit anyway, it does, however, beg the question whether in some cases, casting should have focussed on talent rather than recognisability. Picture You Dead continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until 5 Apr