There is something thrilling about seeing a story set in Brighton on the stage in Brighton. Peter James’ detective mysteries featuring Roy Grace have become part of the fabric of how fans of the books and television series see Brighton, and it’s great to hear the references on stage to places we all know. There is a murmur of excitement and appreciation in the audience every time places are mentioned, from the broader Wivelsfield and Ditchling to Mackie Avenue and Crowhurst Road. It gives us all a little frisson and appreciation for the brilliance of Brighton.

Roy Grace is known through Peter James’ novels and also through the TV series, but this is also the seventh novel to be adapted for the stage. Thankfully they don’t try to recreate any of Brighton on the stage, but the set is a glorious multi construction showing four different locations, all being so very distinct and different it is crystal clear at all times where the action is taking place. The attention to detail in each one is beautiful, leaving the Police offices where the discussions happen right at the front of the stage with no set: the effect is that of beckoning the audience in, giving us a private insight into the investigation and the current thinking of the Police, which is a lovely touch.

On this particular evening Peter James was present himself, and gave a post-show interview on stage to Radio Sussex’ Danny Pike. Another fascinating insight into building this particular story is the character of the art forger: Dave Hegarty, imprisoned by Roy Grace previously for forging passports, then learning to paint in prison, discovering he had a talent for art forgery and making a living from painting copies of famous paintings so difficult to tell apart from the originals that even some professionals are fooled. This whole story is absolutely true, based on the real life David Henty who also lives in Brighton: a detail which adds authenticity and value to the story unfolding on stage.

As a piece of theatre, it is about a story featuring a famous character with an avid following, told on the basis of following the plot. Even though it’s clear who the criminals are, it’s more about how they are caught and how things are going to unfold than anything else. That said, there are still some surprises, jumps, gasps, and a neat twist at the end. Peter Ash is wonderfully natural as the artist, infusing the production with a grounded believable quality performance. Mark Oxtoby gives a lovely turn as a burglar even in a short appearance, with incredibly realistic reactions.

Roy Grace is more of a background figure in this version as the plot unfolds, as are all the Police. Some of the characters are archetypes if not stereotypes, and the fight choreography could do with being a little more believable. The swivel chair is a neat use of the plot device ‘Chekhov’s Gun’ and there were a good many gasps from everyone. As popular theatre, this is a lovely night out, and as so many of the audience were saying on the way out: “better than the TV series”. They were keen to point out that this wasn’t about the casting, this is about the TV series being long and drawn out; whereas this is a complete story in one sitting. There is also something about the beauty and intimacy of theatre, of being there with live actors, which makes this a better experience. If you are a fan of Peter James and Roy Grace, then this is absolutely for you.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 4 March 2025
Picture You Dead runs until 8 March 2025
Photos credit: Alistair Muir Photography