Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 5th July 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
‘A Captivating, Intriguing and Thrilling Mystery which keeps you guessing’
I was thrilled to review Peter James’ Picture You Dead at the wonderful Hall for Cornwall. I came to this show with fresh eyes, as I’m not familiar with the Author or the Show.
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, we not only get jump scares but also comedic moments that liven the production up, using every twist to send the audience round in circles. The story is set within the art world and forgeries. When married couple Freya and Harry Kipling stumble on a lost masterpiece through a car boot sale they are plummeted into the world of art collectors and deep fakes. Once more people hear of the discovery, the piece of art Harry and Freya have is worth more than a life.
There was a talented cast full of familiar faces mostly from the TV screen and London’s West end, with performances from Ore Oduba as Stuart Piper and Mark Oxtoby as Dave Hegarty. Jodie Steele as Roberta Kilgore was a standout for me, an art consultant with a shady past who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Playing a no nonsense, strong woman, she uses accents and tone of voice to create Roberta’s witty and funny side but reigns it in when she needs to be mysterious. Roy Grace is played by George Rainsford who comes across as cool, calm and collected whilst working an old case with DS Bella Moy, played by Gemma Stroyan.
Using a split stage, we are given a view into the three homes woven together – the Kipling’s (Fiona Wade and Ben Cutler), Stuart Piper’s and Dave Hegarty’s. The set was inviting, and clever use of lighting to direct the audience between the homes. Credit must also go to Chris Bishop for the fabulous production shots.
The twist and turns are well handled and gave opportunity for the investigative drama, it feels like you’re not just watching a play – you’re investigating alongside the characters, which had the audience leaving the Hall discussing and debating what clue pointed to which revelation.
If you’re a long time fan of detective Roy Grace, or if you’re coming to the story fresh like myself, this production provides an entertaining and engaging drama. A great show to see for those that enjoy solving the mystery as much as watching it unfold.