REVIEW: Peter James’ Picture You Dead at Mayflower Theatre

Right, picture this: a murder, crime, thriller - adapted from a book - featuring a famous detective - live on stage at Mayflower Theatre. ‘Peter James’ Picture You Dead’ is the latest crime play to find its way to Southampton and it is clear to see why Peter James’ work has been hailed as the most successful modern day crime stage franchise since Agatha Christie. (A mouthful I know). Peter James is renowned as one of the best crime authors of modern times with 20 ‘Sunday Times Best Sellers’ to his name. Of those 20 books, ‘Picture You Dead’ was published in 2022 and is the seventh of James’ stories to be adapted for the stage. This play was incredibly clever, and if I hadn’t known it was book prior, I would’ve thought that this story was made and meant to be consumed in a theatre. I think this is down to the incredible cast, set and overall flow and direction of the story.

Peter James’ work not only is very reputable as a famous book series, but you may also recognise the name after his work gained critical acclaim in a TV drama called ‘Grace’. Along with the screen adaptation, his stage adaptations have been received amazingly. With book to stage adaptations, or any stage adaptation for that matter, there is always a worry of how it is going to translate/transfer over. In this case, I think it was just perfect. I actually remember thinking in the first 15 minutes, “it feels like I’m watching a 6 part drama series”. To sum up the story very briefly without giving too much away, the story follows a couple that have stumbled upon a fortune in the form of a piece of art. ‘Detective Roy Grace’ (which Peter James’ series revolves around), has reopened a case of a murder from years ago that coincidentally is also involving art. In the news of a famous piece of art being uncovered, many questions need to be asked: is it real, how much is it worth, are you in danger, and of course whodunit?

I think this play was perfectly cast. There were only a few cast members but almost instantly I forgot I was watching people acting and instead thought I was just watching people talking on stage. The most natural scenes, the most perfect performances. Alining with what I’ve just said the most was Peter Ash playing the role of ‘Dave Hegarty’. This was just such a true performance in which he was effortless in making you believe his character. He was also the only character that didn’t really have a ‘pairing partner’. Fiona Wade, and Ben Cutller as the ‘Kipling couple’ were a fantastic partnering. These two are the main protagonists of the story in a way. They are meant to be the characters that are relatable to the audience, and I thought they were exactly that. A certain moment sticks out when they’re on the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and Ben (as ‘Harry Kipling’) comes out with the best natural reaction. Next was Jodie Steele and Nicholas Maude playing the roles of ‘Roberta Kilgore’ and ‘Stuart Piper’. These two just exuded bad guy energy. I’ll talk a little bit later about how Peter James’ work differs from the classic murder mystery or whodunit, but just looking back at the surnames here, the dramatic irony was hidden in plain sight…

Jokes aside, these guys again left you hanging on their every word. It’s also very weird when the title of the play gets weaved into the script. Jodie’s delivery of this line was both a great moment but it did also get a giggle out of the audience. (There’s a certain Leonardo DiCaprio meme that comes to mind - if you know, you know.).

It was also very refreshing to see Jodie in a role where she isn’t belting out a song - certainly adding another bow into that already filled quiver. Finally as the famous ‘Roy Grace’ and his partner ‘Bella Moy’ were George Rainsford and Gemma Stroyan. These guys again were the brilliant authoritative figures. It’s very easy to miscast police or detectives in stage adaptations because there is a fine line between being believable and cheesy. And I think these guys nailed it.

The set for this show was incredibly impressive. It featured all of the different places we visit, all at the same time just split up/divided on stage. We have the Kiplings house on the left, then into Piper’s house, which flows into Hegarty’s studio. It may have gone unnoticed but these three were all raised on the stage showing some pipes downstage, under the houses. When we were at the police station, the rest of the stage was in darkness but the pipes were lit up signifying that we were now in the place station. This was such a great little detail that I bet goes unnoticed quite a bit. Amazing attention to detail. On this point, the lighting was very subtle and simple as again that’s all it needed to be. Lighting the stage at the correct times so we know who we’re listening to. Again using set and lights to guide our attention for misdirection. Very clever movement and design.

When it comes to music, there again wasn’t much of it, but I don’t think there was any need for it either. There were a few instances of lightning which was cool, and in particular as the show was starting (both at the start and after the interval) there was some up-tempo music playing. I thought this was funny as we were just about to watch a show about murder and death, but we were hearing a fun score. The oxymoron of themes was brilliant. There’s a time in the show where we go to the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and the music that played here was also very good. It was as close to the theme of the show without actually being the theme. Recognisable enough, without having to pay royalties.

I said earlier how I will explain the difference between this and a standard murder mystery or whodunit. Usually in this type of show, you know that there’s been a murder and your job as the audience member is to try and work out whodunit at the same time the characters are. Peter James flips that. There’s so much that goes on that you try and piece clues together but ultimately it isn’t long before we find out who did what and are subject to dramatic irony. This changes the role of the audience to which we are no longer trying to find out whodunit, but instead can focus on our relationships with the characters to see how they’re going to play it, and who we want trust more. This was so refreshing as I don’t think I have actually seen many plays done in this style - certainly not to this high a standard anyway. That isn’t to say that the element of mystery is taken away fully, as there’s still twists and turns that you don’t expect. Something that isn’t easy to do and something that is definitely thanks to some brilliant writing from both Peter James and Shaun McKenna (stage adaptor), and direction from Jonathon O’Boyle.

Overall, I was really, really impressed with this show. I went in knowing relatively little about it, but left searching up how to get my hands on the whole book series. The aim of theatre is to be told a story and come away being satisfied with this story. A lot of shows seem to forget that at the centre of theatre is compelling storytelling, but not this one. ‘Peter James’ Picture You Dead’ shows a perfect fusion from all aspects of the theatre world to create exactly that - a compelling story that leaves you more than satisfied. Not only this, but to weave in a level of comedy, gives the play just the right amount of happy and fun as well. If you’re a fan of a murder mystery, or of a crime story - you definitely won’t want to miss this one. ‘Peter James’ Picture You Dead’ is in Southampton until Saturday 1st March before continuing on its World Premiere tour. Catch it whilst you can, it won’t disappoint. You’ll be dead happy!