Hot on the heels of the much acclaimed production of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder, the best-selling Brighton crime writer provides another stage hit with Dead Simple.

The large comedy element in The Perfect Murder is replaced with torment, terror and turmoil in this chilling thriller.

James is a genius as a novelist and, although this tale of murder and betrayal is highly improbable, it is full of intriguing twists that result in a powerful production, cleverly adapted by Shaun McKenna and directed by Ian Talbot.

Gary O’Brien (Coronation Street’s Tony Gordon) gives a charming portrayal of iconic detective Roy Grace, who faces one of his toughest cases when a stag night prank goes terribly wrong.

Jamie Lomas is also impressive as rich property developer Michael Harrison, buried alive by his friends who are then killed in a car crash. Other strong performances are given by Tina Hobley and Rik Makarem as Michael’s alluring fiancée Ashley and business partner Mark.

O’Brien and Marc Small, as his sergeant, bring moments of comic relief to a grisly story.

Michael Taylor’s set design and Mark Howett’s lighting whisk us to four different locations including Michael’s apartment and the woods where he has been buried.

Once again Peter James provides a great evening’s entertainment.