The stage production of Looking Good Dead is showing all this week in Brighton and audiences won’t be left disappointed.

I must confess that, having already read the Peter James book, I entered the theatre with a distinct feeling of confidence that I would know what to expect.

How wrong I was.

The well-written narrative and intelligent exploration of stagecraft brings the stage adaptation to life. Accompanying the sincere sense of reality, is a greater feeling of tension and fear, that can be felt throughout the audience.

Based on the book by the multi-million number 1 best-selling author Peter James, the thrilling Roy Grace series has been transformed into a gripping on stage performance.

The Argus: Adam Woodyatt appears in the stage version of Looking Good Dead by Peter JamesAdam Woodyatt appears in the stage version of Looking Good Dead by Peter James

The show is the fifth Peter James novel to be brought to the stage, following behind The House on Cold Hill, Not Dead Enough, The Perfect Murder and Dead Simple.

The cast features Adam Woodyatt (Eastenders) as Tom Bryce, with Gaynor Faye (Emmerdale, Coronation Street, The Syndicate) starring as Kellie Bryce and Harry Long playing Roy Grace.

Ian Houghton (Jonus Kent), Leon Stewart (Glenn Branson), Gemma Stroyan (Bella Moy), Luke Ward- Wilkinson (Max Bryce), Mylo McDonald (Mick) and Natalie Boakye (Janie) also star in the show.

Writer Shaun McKenna has done a fantastic job at transferring the same thrills that one would get from reading the Roy Grace series.

There are chilling scenes, but these are carefully off-set with well-balanced humour throughout.

The story beats are spaced out well enough to keep you engaged until the end.

  • Looking Good Dead runs at the Theatre Royal in Brighton until Thursday.