Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 31st May 2025
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
5*****
‘Picture You Dead’ is the seventh adaption of a Peter James novel. It is a story about Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (played by George Rainford), drafted in to investigate a cold case that centres around crime in the art world. The story itself is inspired by James’ encounter with a former art forger, Dave Henty.
The show kicks off with a seemingly bland scene of Harry and Freya Kipling (played by Ben Cutler and Fiona Wade) who are an excitable couple, down on their luck and shopping at car boot sales. One of their ‘finds’ is a dusty old painting that was bought simply for its ornate frame. From this point forward, the couple are unwittingly dragged into the darker side of the art dealing world.
Motivated by a sense of curiosity, the Kiplings consult with Dave Heggarty on the best way to clean an old painting. Dave is a reformed criminal who has previously served time for forging paintings, courtesy of an investigation that was led by DSI Grace. Played by Mark Oxtoby, Dave is a slightly comical linch pin for the storyline. His character is endearing to the point that everyone is convinced of his innocence; so much so that he is almost a hero. DSI Grace himself has a soft spot for Dave.
The painting itself moves from scene to scene in various guises and is the primary focus of local art dealer Stuart Piper, whose self -conceit and greed drive him to employ Roberta Kilgore; an art consultant with links to the underworld of art forgery and dodgy dealings. Piper is looking to complete his collection at any cost. Ore Oduba and Jodie Steele each deliver a sterling performance, cementing our disdain for villains everywhere.
As an audience member it is difficult not to be drawn in to the mystery and intrigue that surrounds the painting and its movements through the underworld. The stage set is designed to show four separate locations all at once, while the pace of the performance moves swiftly from one to the other, adding to the sense of participation.
This show is gripping from the beginning. As self- designated supporting investigators, everyone watching the show is involved in second guessing the next turn of events, immersed in the tension throughout and rewarded with a fantastic twist at the end.