Picture You Dead 💀

The Alhambra Theatre.

This week, I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the Press Night for Picture You Dead at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford. A special thank you to Philippa for this invitation.

Stepping into the grandeur of the Alhambra, the audience was transported into the murky and thrilling world of fine art, secrets and deadly stakes.

Picture You Dead is a gripping crime thriller based on Peter James’ bestselling Roy Grace series. The story follows Harry and Freya Kipling, an ordinary couple who accidentally discover a long-lost masterpiece hidden behind a cheap painting. What starts as a stroke of luck quickly spirals into a nightmare, drawing them into a dangerous underworld of art dealers, criminals and ruthless killers. DSI Roy Grace is called in to untangle a web of secrets, lies and deadly ambition, in a plot packed with suspense, dark humour and clever twists.

George Rainsford, who won my heart years ago in Casualty and then again in 2:22 A Ghost Story, shines as DSI Roy Grace. He brings warmth, conviction and a quiet intensity to the role, creating a detective who feels both relatable and commanding. It is a joy to watch him on stage, holding the audience’s attention in moments of stillness as well as in scenes brimming with tension.

Equally captivating is Ore Oduba, who I adored in Pretty Woman, a show that still remains one of my theatre favourites. Here, he delivers a delightful turn as Stuart Piper, a flamboyant millionaire art collector whose charm conceals layers of mischief and menace. Ore’s performance is charismatic and skilful, adding a lively energy that balances the darker elements of the story.

The supporting cast is strong throughout. production never drags, with suspense building steadily right up to the gripping conclusion. The staging is sleek and clever, making effective use of lighting and sound to heighten the tension without ever overwhelming the performances. It offers plenty for fans of Peter James’ Roy Grace series, but it is equally enjoyable for anyone seeking a gripping night at the theatre.

Picture You Dead is at The Alhambra Theatre from the 9th of July to the 12th of July 2025. Tickets are still available, and you can buy your tickets here. It is a thrilling, stylish night out that kept the audience hooked from start to finish.