Superintendent Roy Grace is back in a brand-new Peter James stage adaptation and world premiere of the bestselling Picture You Dead. Fiona Wade who, following 11 years in Emmerdale, took to the stage earlier this year in the hit 2:22 A Ghost Story joins the cast as Freya Kipling. We sat down with her to discuss Picture You Dead.
What makes “Picture You Dead” the most thrilling stage adaptation yet from bestselling crime author Peter James?
I think what makes this play so exciting is it has so many twists and turns! There’s a lot of funny moments too along with such a great storyline. I play one half of an unsuspecting couple who buy a painting at a car boot sale for the frame and discover that it could be a long-lost masterpiece worth millions! So they have to seek help / advice but not everyone’s intentions are what they seem… I can’t reveal the plot, of course, but if you love a good, exciting crime thriller then you’ll love this play!
What is you love most about performing your character Freya Kipling and what can you share with our readers about your role in Picture You Dead?
I love playing Freya. She’s kind but strong and feisty too! She knows what she wants, and I think she’s a relatable, likeable character. She’s grounded in reality for the audience, and I think people like getting swept along with her as the story unfolds.
How will DSI Roy Grace’s latest investigation into the dark underworld of fine art captivate audiences in this new stage adaptation?
It’s very fast paced. The crux to the story is that a ‘copyist’ named David Hegarty (in the play) is who helps out the couple by creating another piece of artwork that’s exactly the same as the one they find at the car boot… it’s fascinating as it’s all based on the true skills of a copyist in Brighton who Peter James knows well. He inspired the story and Peter James’ imagination is incredible – keeping track of where the ‘real’ painting is keeps you captivated for sure!
“Picture You Dead” is the seventh of Peter James’ novels to be adapted for the stage, alongside the smash-hit ITV crime drama GRACE, why do you think it is that audiences just can’t get enough of DSI Roy Grace?
Everyone loves a crime thriller, and Peter James writes these intriguing plots so well. The characters and story arcs are just so brilliant – it keeps everyone engaged to find out who did it! Not that I can reveal what ‘it’ is…
What should we be most excited about when this multi-star cast takes to the stage at Theatre Royal, Glasgow for the Scottish premiere of “Picture You Dead”?
A great night at the theatre for sure! It has something for everyone. You’ll jump out of your seat in some moments and be laughing the next. It’s a great story I think everyone can enjoy! We can’t wait to see Scottish crowds having fun with us.
Picture You Dead continues its tour across the UK this summer. Tickets are available here.