Picture You Dead is a stage adaption of a thriller by Peter James, and features DSI Roy Grace who will be familiar to many, and a cast of characters you’ll get to know through the play.
The ensemble is comprised of more performers than you think you will see at the start, with strong performances all round. Peter Ash was outstanding in his role, as was George Rainsford as DSI Grace, but another one of my favourites, injecting characterisation and humour in an almost cameo role was Adam Morris who played a presenter from The Antiques Roadshow.
The layout of the set is clever; with minimal prop changes it adapts to show the interiors of three different properties. The music helped set the mood at times, and the use of blackout, while not intrusive, made certain scenes possible and scene changes more fluid.
This production will keep thriller fans focussed from start to finish. I would definitely like to see more productions of Peter James novels in the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Picture You Dead premiered at the Wycombe Swan theatre from 6-8 February and is now heading on tour: https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/
I wish I had a programme but these were not available. I like to name actors and characters I enjoy, so please forgive any vague comments above.
The car park is conveniently right next to the Wycombe Swan which is handy, however getting out at the end takes some time. Still worth it for a visit to this theatre though.
