Review: Picture You Dead at the Wyvern Theatre

Picture You Dead is at the Wyvern Theatre this week, bringing the world of crime fiction to Swindon, a genre that always bring a buzz to the stage, and Picture You Dead is no exception.

Adapted from Peter James’ novel by Shaun McKenna, the play follows DSI Roy Grace as he investigates a cold case that suddenly comes back to life.

When a couple stumbles upon a painting at a car boot sale, they think they’ve hit the jackpot—until they realise that some people are willing to go to extreme lengths to get their hands on it.

Your Holiday Starts Now

As greed and desperation take hold, the painting becomes the centre of a deadly game where trust is in short supply and the consequences are fatal.

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and produced by Josh Andrews, the play keeps the tension going from start to finish. The set is simple but effective, with clever lighting that help build suspense throughout. The mix of mystery and action keeps the audience hooked, making sure there’s never a dull moment.

George Rainsford is excellent as DSI Roy Grace, making the detective feel sharp and determined without overplaying it. Peter Ash, best known from Coronation Street, brings plenty of intensity, keeping things gripping, while Fiona Wade, recently in 2:22 A Ghost Story and Emmerdale, gives a performance full of emotion. The chemistry between the cast feels natural, pulling the audience deeper into the mystery and making the story even more engaging.

Picture You Dead keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. It’s playing at the Wyvern Theatre this week, so if you’re a fan of crime fiction or enjoy a suspenseful night at the theatre, it’s well worth a visit. Tickets are available online at  Trafalgar Tickets.

Tell us what you think...