A crime thriller explores the dark underworld of fine art in a dynamic and entertaining stage adaptation.
Peter James’s Picture You Dead opened yesterday, March 4, at Brighton’s Theatre Royal.
Based in Brighton, the show, adapted from James's novel, follows Freya, played by Fiona Wade, and Harry Kipling, Ben Cutler, a married couple partial to a car boot sale treasure.
One Saturday morning, the pair bring home a bargain piece of artwork, although all is not what it seems.
The couple discovers that the artwork has been painted over and immediately contacts notorious art forger David Hegarty, played by Peter Ash and inspired by real-life copyist David Henty.
Ash’s character is animated and comedic, bringing both light relief and a dynamic energy to the stage.
The packed house collectively held its breath during intense scenes that had us all on the edges of our seats, although they were interspersed with moments of comedy and excitement.
Nicholas Maude plays villainous art overlord Stuart Piper alongside his terror-inspiring sidekick Roberta Kilgore, played by Jodie Steele, who work together seamlessly as a dastardly duo.
James's main character Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is played by George Rainsford, known for his role in Casualty, accompanied by Detective Bella Moy, played by Gemma Stroyan.
The police team is a force to be reckoned with in the show, leaving no stone unturned.
The detailed split set portrayed the Kipling’s home, Hegarty’s intimate and art-strewn studio and Mr Piper’s villainous lair, each with their own unique atmosphere dictated by lighting and props.
Speaking at the end of the show, Peter James said: “People say dreams don’t come true.
“When I was a kid, at nine years old my parents used to take me to this theatre.
“I would sit there and watch the curtain rise and dream that something I wrote would be on this stage.
“About 12 years ago, Josh Andrews made that dream come true.
“I could not be more proud or thrilled to be here.”
He also discussed his friendship with David Henty, who was in the audience for the opening night, and described him as “the nicest villain he has ever met”.
READ MORE: How did Brighton's Peter James and a master forger become best mates?
“We are so lucky to have him in our city”, James added.
The author has been a long-standing supporter of Sussex’s police force, working with them to research for his books and fundraising for the Sussex Police Charitable Trust.
He said: “People forget that we sleep safely in our bed because of the amazing police officers that we have.
“They have, just like all of us, traumas.”
James also showed his appreciation for the cast of the show.
He said: “I would like to say a final thank you to this amazing cast.
READ MORE: Peter James says it's 'magical' to take stories to stage at childhood theatre
“All of you have done me proud. I could not be happier to have you all here.”
After the show, Peter James took part in a Q&A led by BBC Radio Sussex presenter Danny Pike.
James said that Picture You Dead is one of his lighter Roy Grace works, with “a lot of fun” for audiences.
He said: “Right now, everything is so weird, I thought people might enjoy something a little more light.”
James was also asked about what was in the works and the novelist allowed audiences a glimpse at what they can expect in his newest Roy Grace, due out in October.
He said: “This is the one I am more excited about than anything I have ever written.
“I can’t say too much about it but I can tell you it has a royal connection.
“Queen Camilla is my number one fan.
“She might just be making an appearance in the book.”
Peter James’s Picture You Dead works well as both a unique crime thriller based in the world of art and a show guaranteed to delight and entertain.
Catch it at Brighton's Theatre Royal until March 9.
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