Peter James’ Picture You Dead Tour: A star-studded cast brings crime thriller to the stage

The highly anticipated stage adaptation of Peter James’ crime thriller Picture You Dead is now up and running on its major UK tour, boasting a stellar cast led by National Television Award winner Peter Ash and Casualty star George Rainsford. The tour arrives in London later this month, running at Richmond Theatre from 18-22 March 2025.

The seventh Peter James novel to be adapted for the stage, Picture You Dead delves into the high-stakes world of art forgery, deception, and murder. Adapted by Shaun McKenna and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, the play promises to deliver a gripping theatrical experience for crime drama fans.

Peter Ash, best known for his emotional performance as Paul Foreman in Coronation Street, takes on the role of an ex-convict forger whose past dealings with Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (played by George Rainsford) resurface in a deadly new case. Reflecting on his transition from the soap world to the stage, Ash said, “It’s going to be quite a ride. There’ll be thrills and spills, and I can’t wait to bring this gripping story to audiences across the country.”

Returning to the role of Roy Grace, Rainsford reprises his performance from last year’s tour of Wish You Were Dead. “In Picture You Dead, Grace is back in Brighton, in his element, investigating a complex and twisting case,” Rainsford shared. “It’s going to be a fast-paced, thrilling journey for the audience.”

The 22-gig tour means he’ll be on the road for the better part of half the year.

“It will be home on a Sunday to wash my smalls! And we haven’t got any Monday shows which helps a bit when it comes to family.” George and his actress wife Jaimi Barbakoff, both 42, have two children aged 10 and eight.

The production also features Fiona Wade as Freya Kipling, a woman whose seemingly innocent purchase at a car boot sale entangles her in a dangerous mystery. Wade, known for her long-running role as Priya Sharma in Emmerdale, reunites with Rainsford after starring alongside him in 2:22 A Ghost Story last year. “I love crime dramas, and Peter James’ thrillers are the best in the business,” she said. “It’s a privilege to bring Picture You Dead to life on stage.”

Jodie Steele, a West End favourite with credits in Heathers, Bonnie & Clyde, and Wicked, takes on the role of the play’s antagonist, Roberta Kilgore. “I’ve made it my business to play baddies whenever I can – they’re the most fun! And this one is especially delicious,” Steele said.

Adding further star power, Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba will join the cast from 20 May, taking on the role of eccentric millionaire Stuart Piper. Oduba, known for his stage performances in Pretty Woman and The Rocky Horror Show, expressed his excitement about stepping into the world of Peter James’ crime fiction.

The ensemble cast is rounded out by Ben Cutler as Harry Kipling, Gemma Stroyan as Bella Moy, Nicholas Maude as Stuart Piper (until 17 May), Adam Morris as Oliver De Souza, and Mark Oxtoby as Archie Goff. Understudies include Valentina Arena and Ross Telfer.

With Picture You Dead now thrilling audiences across the UK, James himself is confident in its success. “This is the best stage adaptation of my work yet,” he said. “Fans of crime fiction and theatre alike are in for an unforgettable night of suspense and drama.”

Picture You Dead is touring theatres across the UK until 2 August 2025, including London’s Richmond Theatre from 18-22 March 2025.

The show is playing in Brighton until 9 March and will then visit Nottingham, London, Malvern, Norwich, Salford, Shrewsbury, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, New Brighton, Cheltenham, Sheffield, Glasgow, Bath, Birmingham, Truro, Bradford, and Southend-on-Sea. See all booking information.

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Main photo: Scene from Picture You Dead, David Ash & George Rainsford - credit Alistair Muir