Mayflower Theatre: Peter James Picture You Dead review

With plenty of twists and turns, Picture You Dead brings Peter James's Superintendent Roy Grace onto the stage in this new adaptation starring famous faces from British television. 

Of course, crime fans will recognise the Superintendent from the acclaimed ITV Series Grace.

Stepping into John Simm's shoes as the main man is George Rainsford, who audiences may recognise from Casualty and Call The Midwife. Armed with a trench coat, a tiny notebook and a stern expression, Rainsford brought the Superintendent to life with ease.

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The police duo were tasked with finding the killer (Image: Picture You Dead) Gemma Stroyan joins Rainsford as DS Bella Moy, with an equally dashing trenchcoat and eye for a clue, Storyan was the perfect police sidekick.

The play took a while to pick up, but once the police duo delved further into the secretive world of fine art, which unsurprisingly turns murderous, we were all on the edge of our seats - one particular plot twist had the whole room gasping in shock. 

As Grace's investigation reveals the dark intentions of art collector Stuart Piper and his 'consultant' Roberta Kilgore, no one remains safe in the story.

Actors Nicholas Maude and Jodie Steele were the perfect baddies, while they were one step away from doing an evil cackle at some points, the audience was gripped whenever they were on stage. 

Unfortunately, the evil pair have their eyes on unassuming couple Freya and Harry Kipling (Portrayed by Emmerdale's Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler) who have found a multi-million-pound painting at a car boot sale - revealed after a comical stint on the Antiques Road Show.

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Many will recognise the Coronation Street star (Image: Picture You Dead) In the middle of the story is art 'copier' (or forger to the rest of us), David Hegarty, portrayed by Coronation Street's Peter Ash, effortlessly charming, the artist leaves everyone wondering whose side he is on until the final ten minutes.

Filled to the brim with crime fiction stereotypes and tropes, Picture You Dead is perfect for anyone who is already a fan of the genre.

And, if you've not seen the ITV drama or read any of the novels, the play is easily accessible for anyone without any prior knowledge of the series. 

Peter James' Picture You Dead is at Mayflower Theatre until March 1. Book tickets online at www.mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.