Picture You Dead - Review

Reviewed by Elle at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. 

Picture You Dead is a play based on the books by Peter James that centre around Roy Grace, a detective with his own mystery running in the background. This particular story in the series is set within the art world and forgeries. When married couple Freya and Harry stumble on a lost masterpiece through a carboot sale they are plummeted into the world of art collectors and deep fakes. Once more people hear of the discovery it is clear that the piece of art Harry and Freya have is worth more than a life.

Gemma Stroyan, George Rainsford and Peter Ash. Photo by Alistair Muir

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, we get not only jump scares but also comedic moments that liven the production up, using each and every twist to send the audience round in circles. 

With a star studded cast with George Rainsford returning to the helm as Roy Grace this is definitely a change up from how TV viewers will usually see George Rainsford. He comes across as cool, calm and collected whilst working an old case with DS Bella Moy, played by Gemma Stroyan, who is returning to the role, their chemistry as a duo shining through as they bounce off each other.

Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler, playing the married couple, Freya and Harry. Characters that are extremely relatable from Freya's sweet tooth tendencies to Harry's generosity and positive attitude. Played together with joy and light heartedness within a darker undertone throughout the play. These characters are extremely charming and likeable for the normality they provide of everyday people within society. 

Peter Ash playing local artist Dave Hegarty is cheeky and devious. The character is the one that links all the characters together from being friends with Harry and Freya to having previously done a copy for Roberta Kilgore years before. He is lovable even when he accidentally gets Harry and Freya embroiled in a murder over art.

Jodie Steele and Peter Ash. Photo by Alistair Muir.

The stand out performance for me was by Jodie Steele as Roberta Kilgore, an art consultant with a shady past who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Jodie Steele is no stranger to a stage and shows not only her skill for comedic timing but also power within this play. Playing a no nonsense, strong woman. Jodie Steele uses accents and tone of voice to create Roberta’s witty and funny side, but reins it in when she needs to be mysterious.

For anyone who is a fan of the Peter James novels, the TV adaption or just a general mystery lover this is a great way to see it in a different and engaging way and put your detective skills to the test. Can you figure it out before Roy Grace with the many twists and turns or will you be shocked at the end?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Picture You Dead plays at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until Saturday 15th March 2025. Tickets are available from https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/peter-james-picture-you-dead/

The show plays on tour until 26th July 2025. Find full tour details and venues at https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/

George Rainsford, Gemma Stroyan and Fiona Wade. Photo by Alistair Muir.