Last Updated June 2025
There’s nothing quite like a night at the theatre, and we’re always on the lookout for gripping performances that leave a lasting impression. I have said this many times but we really do enjoy the more theatrical side to the theatre than we once did. We still love the musicals but there is something so powerful about watching a 'whodunnit' type show on stage.
We booked tickets a few months ago for the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton to watch Picture You Dead, the latest stage adaptation from bestselling crime author Peter James. As regular theatre-goers and lovers of thrillers, we had high expectations for this as we both loved his last stage show Wish You Were Dead which we saw at The Lowry.
If you enjoy crime dramas, detective stories, or live theatre that keeps you guessing, this play is not to be missed. In this detailed review, we’ll take you through our full experience at the Floral Pavilion, give our thoughts on the cast and storyline, and explain why Picture You Dead is a must-see for fans of suspenseful storytelling.
What is Picture You Dead About?
Picture You Dead is part of the hugely popular Roy Grace series, written by Peter James. The series has been adapted for stage and screen, with the ITV drama Grace bringing even more fans into Roy Grace’s world. This latest instalment sees Detective Superintendent Grace investigating a seemingly innocent art purchase that quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
The plot centres around a young couple who buy a framed painting at a boot sale. The soon discover a hidden painting underneath which is a discovery that could change their lives forever. But instead of leading to fame and fortune, the painting drags them into a web of lies, forged artwork, dangerous criminals, and a string of murders.
Picture You Dead offers the kind of gripping theatre experience that fans of Peter James have come to expect.
A Standout Performance at the Floral Pavilion
We’ve visited the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton many times and it remains one of our favourite venues in the North West. Situated on the waterfront with stunning views across the River Mersey, it’s a modern and welcoming theatre with a packed schedule of events all year round.
Walking into the Floral Pavilion always feels like a treat. The staff are friendly, the facilities are clean and spacious, and the atmosphere before a show is always buzzing. We arrived with plenty of time to spare and enjoyed a drink in the theatre bar before heading to our seats.
Once the curtain went up, we were immediately drawn in. The cast did a fantastic job of bringing the complex story to life, striking a perfect balance between suspense, drama, and just the right touch of humour.
Roy Grace
The character of Roy Grace was played by George Rainsford who has played this role before in previous shows. For fans of the books or the TV adaptation, George's portrayal stayed true to the calm, methodical detective we’ve come to know and love. He’s not a flashy hero, but a determined and compassionate investigator who always fights for justice and that’s exactly what we got on stage.
Supporting characters were equally strong, with standout performances from the young couple at the centre of the story. Ben Cutler and Fiona Wade took us on an emotional journey, from excitement and disbelief to fear and desperation. The villain of the story was chillingly convincing, delivering moments that genuinely had us on edge.
Clever Set Design and Atmospheric Storytelling
One of the highlights of Picture You Dead was the clever use of set design and lighting to keep the story flowing smoothly across different locations. With multiple scenes taking place in homes and galleries the transitions were seamless and added to the fast-paced nature of the plot.
Lighting was used effectively to enhance tension, especially during the more intense moments. Sound effects were minimal but well-placed, and the use of music helped set the tone without being overpowering.
There was also a multimedia element, with projections used to display artwork and add depth to the visual storytelling. It all worked together to immerse the audience in the world of high-stakes art deals and underworld crime.
Why We Recommend Picture You Dead
Whether you’re already a fan of Peter James or completely new to the Roy Grace series, this play offers everything you’d want from a night at the theatre. There’s mystery, emotion, a fast-moving plot, and strong performances throughout.
We also love that Picture You Dead doesn’t rely on over-the-top effects or gimmicks. It’s smart, character-driven storytelling at its best. It invites the audience to connect the dots, uncover the truth, and feel the thrill of the chase all from the comfort of a theatre seat.
As fans of both theatre and crime fiction, this production ticked all the boxes for us.
Final Thoughts - A Must-See for Thriller Fans
We’ve seen quite a few theatre productions over the years, but Picture You Dead stands out as one of the most gripping and atmospheric crime dramas we’ve watched live. The combination of strong writing, powerful performances, and smart production design made for an unforgettable night out.
For anyone looking for a Peter James stage play review, or wondering whether Picture You Dead is worth seeing the answer is a definite yes. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, and perfect for date nights, crime fans, and anyone who enjoys live theatre.
We’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for the next Roy Grace theatre adaptation, and we highly recommend catching Picture You Dead if it comes to a theatre near you.
17 June – 21 June 2025
Book for Bath Theatre Royal
24 June – 28 June 2025
Book for Birmingham Alexandra Theatre
1 July – 5 July 2025
Book for Truro Hall for Cornwall
8 July – 12 July 2025
Book for Bradford Alhambra Theatre
15 July – 19 July 2025
Book for Worthing Connaught Theatre
22 July – 26 July 2025
Book for Southend Palace Theatre
Have you seen any of the Peter James plays on stage? Let us know in the comments we’d love to hear your thoughts!
- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.
- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials.
- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.
- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details
Michelle
.png)
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comments. I love reading them :)