Detective Roy Grace is drawn into the dark underbelly of the art world in this new stage adventure for Peter James’ well-mannered sleuth.
The cold case of the murder of an unloved art dealer is reopened thanks to new evidence, and becomes much hotter when a long-lost landscape remerges in a chance car boot sale purchase – raising the interest of an obsessive collector and their criminally-inclined fixer.
Shaun McKenna has adapted James’ novel and gives us plenty of twists and turns although most of these land in the second act – the first half feels over-extended. Ben Cutler and Fiona Wade as the surprised owners of a potential masterpiece give their characters’ an easy likeability, alongside a delightfully understated performance by Peter Ash as master forger Dave Hegarty (based, according to James, on a real person).
George Rainsford takes the title role of Grace, rarely apart from Bella Moy as his fellow detective. There is nothing wrong with their performances, but they aren’t given much to do save walk across the stage answering mobiles or checking notebooks, while advancing the plot.
Despite some gruesome moments there are a surprising number of funny moments in the piece, raising the possibility that Jodie Steele’s portrayal of art consultant come henchwoman Robert Kilgore is deliberately that of a pantomime villain, but on balance I don’t think it was intentional. Nicholas Maude’s dastardly millionaire collector and Mark Oxtoby’s rough diamond burglar are equally roughly drawn caricatures.
There is much more nuance in Adrian Linford’s set which is remarkably flexible, easily switching focus between multiple locations – suburban home, art studio, mansion, and police station – without interrupting the action. It’s exceptionally elegant.
It’s tempting to pick holes in the plot though it’s much more rewarding to go along for the ride.
It’s not a show that seems likely to trouble the Oliviers, but for fans of Grace as a character it’s an enjoyable enough two hours.
- Picture You Dead continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 5 April 2025.
