REVIEW: Picture You Dead at the Everyman Theatre

Cheltenham

As an avid fan of the masterful writer and award winner Peter James, as well as the television series Grace, I was more than eager to see how someone could take ‘Picture You Dead’ and make it stage ready. And, as always, I was more than happy to take a comfortable seat in the beautiful Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

Centring on an unsuspecting couple (Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler) who unearth a possible masterpiece and the ensuing nightmare that they find themselves in, the plot follows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (George Rainsford) as he delves into a world of fine art, deception and murder, involving a compelling duo played  by Ore Oduba and Jodie Steele.

 

From literature and television to the stage

For those that know Peter James’s work, Picture You Dead is the 18th book in the Roy Grace series. It was inspired by the renowned author’s real-life meeting with David Henty, a former art forger turned number one copyist artist in the world, and a man who is portrayed by Mark Oxtoby’s character Dave Hegarty. As is normal for Peter James creations, Picture You Dead is packed with interesting facts. Due to his ability to write convincing and gripping plots, Peter James has sold over 23 million copies worldwide and his name is synonymous with fast-paced, twisty, detailed and accurate page turners. Likewise, the TV adaptation follows a similar pattern with John Simm as the forever pensive and much-loved Roy Grace.

It is worth noting that for the stage adaptation, theatre goers need to keep an open mind and remember that the drama needs to unfold on a stage rather than the expanse of an imagination or in a comparably bigger setting. For people that are au fait with the drama Grace it is also worth detaching from the familiar and giving George Rainsford the space to shine in his own way. I found him to be convincing and was also impressed by his sidekick Bella, played by Gemma Stroyan. The way they interacted with one another in terms of body language and dialogue was excellent.

 

Breathing life into the plot

Adrian Linford’s set design is a real masterpiece, allowing the stage to be divided into three beautifully detailed areas: the humbly furnished home of the Kipling couple, the bright splash of Dave Hegarty’s masterpiece-packed art studio and the opulent wood panelled country house of Stuart Piper. Each of these distinct areas are unified by Jonathan O’Boyle’s fast-paced direction. Lighting is also crucial to these areas. Designed by Jason Taylor, the mixture of warmth, bright and airy tones, and candlelight serves to evoke a set of emotions that are integral for each scene. Aligning with this, Max Pappenheim’s sound design acts to add to the atmosphere, with ordinary sounds conveying realism, and more dramatic sounds adding to the suspense of the narrative.

In summary

As a stage adaptation, Picture You Dead is never going to be the same as any other medium, but if you can get over that hurdle, then you are in for a real treat. This production is delightful, with moments of light heartedness and wit, mixed in with suspense and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. As a trip to the theatre goes, it is truly a good evening out, an evening that will capture your attention and keep you gripped until the end. 

Picture You Dead is running from May 27 to 31 at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. If you are planning on going it’s worth knowing that the production includes flashing lights, loud sounds including gunshots, and depictions of criminal activity and violence.

Review by Julia

 

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