The world premiere of Peter James’ Picture You Dead is touring the UK, stopping at The Alhambra where Leo Owen caught the show
Inspired by James meeting the famous art forger, David Henty, Picture You Dead tells the tale of Harry (Ben Cutler) and Freya (Fiona Wade of Emmerdale) Kipling whose fortunes change after picking up a picture frame at a boot sale. When they discover an 18th century French masterpiece hidden beneath an innocuous painting, they may have stumbled across something worth killing for.
Following on from previous James stage adaptations, Shaun McKenna’s seventh play mirrors the pace of Queen Camilla’s favourite TV detective show with the action quickly flitting between locations. Designer Adrian Linford’s set cleverly aids cohesion and flow, splitting the stage into three main interiors – the couple’s modern house, an oak panelled art collector’s pad and the conservatory of legit forger, Hegarty (Mark Oxtoby).
While the story is gripping and has the audience guessing with red herrings and foreshadowing until the curtain’s close, some of the cast are less captivating, suffering from poor projection and some wooden performances. Torture and fight scenes are sloppily choreographed and executed, adding to the show’s almost slapstick feel. The demise of Archie Goff (Sean Jones) also feels ill-advised and implausible among the plot details. The play’s title is dropped in by the villains, Roberto Kilgore (Jodie Steele) and Stuart Piper (Ore Oduba of Strictly Come Dancing fame), in a very convoluted manner. Director Jonathan O’Boyle includes overdramatic music and random lightening sound effects, courtesy of Sound Designer Max Pappenheim, to cause tension but instead elicits audience chuckles.
Loyal followers of the ITV series may be disappointed as Grace (Casualty’s George Rainsford) seems to almost take a back seat in the investigation with detective sergeant Bella Moy (Gemma Stroyan) having a more prominent role. The relationship between reformed criminal Hegarty and Grace is oddly touching, particularly fascinating with programme blurb giving insight into their real-life backstory. Fans of the murder mystery genre may enjoy the show, as despite its faults, it remains entertaining to watch like a Sunday afternoon guilty pleasure. Laughably melodramatic but focusing on the fascinating world of art forgeries, Picture You Dead isn’t to die for but a pleasant way to while away a few hours.
Picture You Dead shows at The Alhambra 9th-12th July before continuing its tour:
https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/
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