Arts > Theatre

Picture You Dead

Norwich Theatre Royal

27/03/25

Next week, 1st to 5th of April, the world premiere tour of ‘Picture You Dead’ is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal.

The story, based on DSI Roy Grace books by Peter James, follows DSI Grace investigate a cold case that leads him to the rarified air of fine art, greed, deception and murder. 

Outline spoke to two stars of the show, Peter Ash (playing ex-convict, David Henty) and Jodie Steele (playing heartless villain, Roberta Kilgore).

National Television Award winning actor and Coronation Street star, Peter Ash said: “Who doesn’t like a good mystery?

“I’ve never done anything like this before and there’s an extra draw, it’s a real character”

The events of the play are all inspired by real-life former master art forger, and now acclaimed copyist, David Henty.

For Peter, David is “charming, cheeky and brilliant” and there is “something the audience love about him”.

West End favourite, Jodie Steele described the play to “fit in the middle of a who done it and a cop drama.

“It is open to your own imagine as to what happened”.  Jodie sees her character to be the embodiment of 2025: “Why can’t a female have the power?  I feel so proud to be a part of something so original.”

Both actors were brought to the role through the love of Peter James’ work.  Queen Camilla herself recently went on record saying DSI Roy Grace is her favourite fictional detective.

Peter James said: “It is truly incredible for me to see the seventh stage adaptation of my books. 

“Now that I have seen Picture You Dead performed, I am thrilled to say I think this new play is the best one so far!”

One month and four venues into the six-month tour, Peter Ash said: “There has been a great audience, different every show with some big laugh moments.”

Jodie said: “We know our characters so well now the audience can relax with us and have more giggles.”

With the next stop on the tour being Norwich, Jodie said: “It’s one of my favourite places to go.”

Not spoiling any twists or turns the cast members revealed their favourite quotes.

Peter said: “Trust me I’m a painter, not a con artist.” 

Jodie said: “I look back at this moment fondly and picture you dead.”

If you want to have some laughs and follow this Agatha Christie-like mystery, book ‘Picture You Dead’ on Norwich Theatre Royal’s website now!