Peter James, the acclaimed author behind a staggering 23 million crime thrillers sold worldwide, is bringing one of his most popular novels to the stage with Picture You Dead.
Having already conquered the literary world, with 21 consecutive UK Sunday Times number ones and success in countries like Germany, France, and Russia, James has now teamed up with producer Josh Andrews and playwright Shaun McKenna to create an electrifying stage adaptation that promises to grip audiences from start to finish.
Originally published as a best-selling novel, Picture You Dead delves deep into the intriguing world of high-end art forgery. The plot finds inspiration in the life of David Henty, a real-life forger who was introduced to James back in 2015. Henty’s transformation from criminal to artist while serving time in prison formed the basis for this thrilling story. He possesses the extraordinary ability to mimic works of art from some of history’s most renowned painters, including Caravaggio and Van Gogh. With this fascinating backstory, James crafted a gripping narrative that has captivated both readers and theatre-goers alike.
The stage adaptation, which marks the seventh of James’ works to be brought to life on stage, features a talented cast including Peter Ash, who is best known for his portrayal of Paul Foreman on Coronation Street. Ash, who won multiple awards for his role, will bring his experience and emotion to the stage as he takes on the role of the art forger.
Joining him is George Rainsford, familiar to many as Ethan Hardy from Casualty, who returns to the role of Detective Roy Grace after a successful run in Wish You Were Dead. Rainsford brings his expert craft to this thrilling tale of crime, mystery, and deception.
The cast is further enriched by Jodie Steele, who plays Roberta Kilgore, diving into the darker side of the art world. Steele’s extensive background in musicals like Heathers and Six has prepared her for this gripping role. Meanwhile, Fiona Wade, known for her time on Emmerdale, will portray Freya Kipling in this rollercoaster of a thriller.
Picture You Dead promises plenty of twists, action, and high-stakes drama. The tour kicked off this week in High Wycombe before heading to Swindon, then on to Woking, Southampton, and many other locations, including Brighton, Nottingham, and Newcastle.
The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon will host the show from 11th to 15th February 2025, and tickets are on sale through Trafalgar Tickets.
James reflects, “People love a good mystery, a chance to be thrilled while remaining safely in their seats. That’s what Picture You Dead offers – all the excitement of a good whodunit with a touch of dark humour.” If you’re a fan of gripping crime novels or thrilling theatre, don’t miss the chance to see this powerful stage adaptation.
