Latest news with #PictureYouDead
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Picture You Dead comes to Glasgow
Who says crime doesn't pay? Peter James has sold 23 million copies of his crime thrillers worldwide with 21 consecutive UK Sunday Times number ones, as well as chart-toppers in Germany, France, Russia and Canada. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... He's also a New York Times best-seller, his murder mysteries translated into 38 languages. He's launched the seventh adaptation of one of his thrillers, Picture You Dead, that is set in the veiled world of high-end art forgery, already a bestseller on paper and currently on a major UK tour. Peter met producer Josh Andrews at a party in 2010 and they hit it off immediately. 'We have similar taste.' Writing books and writing stage plays are two quite different disciplines, of course, quite apart from the fact it would be torture, says Peter, slimming down 120,000 words or so on paper into a 25,000-word script for two hours of theatre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What made the book such a pleasure to write in the first place, says Peter, was that he had the great good fortune to meet real-life forger David Henty, 65, who lives up the road in Saltdean. Picture You Dead 'Back in 2015, I co-wrote a book, Death Comes Knocking: Policing Roy Grace's Brighton, with former Commander of Brighton and Hove Police, Graham Bartlett. It was Graham who introduced me to Henty.' Twenty years earlier, Henty had been a highly successful passport forger specialising in fake watermarks. When the police eventually kicked in the door of the forgery factory, Henty was arrested, along with his co-conspirators, and subsequently sentenced to five years in prison. It was to be the very making of him. His relatively harmless white-collar crime meant he had a pretty easy time of it inside. 'I quickly found my way to the art room where I could paint to my heart's content under the watchful eye of a couple of teachers.' What he couldn't have predicted was his innate talent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He has the rare gift of being able to copy the work of any painter from Fragonard to Caravaggio ('He's my favourite: I love the drama in his paintings'), from Van Gogh to Rembrandt, from Picasso to modern-day Banksy. And he can fool almost anyone that these paintings are genuine originals. 'It's what gave me the idea of the plot for Picture You Dead,' says Peter. Ore Oduba The new stage adaptation stars Ore Oduba, 2016 Strictly Come Dancing champion and Musical Theatre star ricocheting from one project to the next. After making his stage debut in Grease, and a long spell as Brad Majors in the tour of the Rocky Horror Show, he has recently finished touring the UK in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Oduba joins the cast of Picture You Dead in Sheffield, Glasgow, Bath, Birmingham, Truro, Bradford, Worthing and through to the final week in Southend at the end of July. 'I play Stuart Piper, a dyed-in-the-wool baddie,' says Ore, 39, with a face-splitting smile. 'I've known about the Peter James novels for some time and the stage adaptations of the earlier ones for seven or eight years. I've been chatting to Josh Andrews, the producer, and waiting for the right role to come along. And this is it! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Stuart is my villain hero. He has a penchant for a painting, an expert in his field but not someone to be messed with. In the shady world of forgery, everyone is linked in some way. What's so clever about Peter's stories is that they're beautifully plotted; everything slots together in the end.' L-R: Peter James, George Rainsford, Fiona Wade, Ore Oduba One of the benefits of the tour, he says, is playing theatres in which he hasn't appeared before. 'I can't wait to perform in Bath; I must have walked past that beautiful theatre a hundred times. I'm keen on working in Truro. And going back to Glasgow will be a real treat; it's like a second home to me.' 'It's going to be an exciting challenge working with an amazing bunch of people. I'm looking forward to a lot of hissing and booing from the audience. Here's a guy who I hope you'll love to hate.' For actor George Rainsford, 42, who played Ethan Hardy in Casualty for nine years, this is his second turn round the block having played DSI Roy Grace in the successful UK tour of Peter James's Wish You Were Dead in 2023. 'It was great fun doing it the first time but a bit different because you saw Roy and his wife on holiday with their toddler in France. He was out of his comfort zone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'In Picture You Dead, he's back in Brighton at work and doing what fans will recognise. He's heavily involved in a live case with all its twists and turns.' George has been on the road for nearly half the year already. He's looking forward to a first time playing in Bath. 'And I'm originally from Yorkshire so it'll be fun to return to Sheffield and Bradford. '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. 'Funnily enough, Picture You Dead came out in novel form when I was on the last tour as Roy Grace. I downloaded the audio version and listened to it when I was running.' Could we be sitting here in two years' time with George about to tackle Roy for a third time? 'Never say never,' he says, with a broad smile. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fiona Wade is Freya Kipling married to Harry, an innocent couple who go to a car boot sale where they buy a painting she's not keen on but that Harry likes. In time, it's discovered that there may be an original beneath the painting which, when exposed, could be worth a small fortune. Or is it a forgery? Fiona's particularly pleased to have been cast in this production because she is reunited with George Rainsford who played her husband last year in the hit tour of 2.22 A Ghost Story. This was a return to the theatre (she's appeared in Miss Saigon and The Far Pavilions) after more than a decade playing Priya Sharma in Emmerdale. She bowed out in 2023 - 'It was a long run and it changed my life. But I wanted to take the gamble of seeing what else was out there so I asked to be written out of the soap. I very much believe in the power of positive thinking and my gamble has paid off.' She's particularly looking forward to taking the Peter James thriller to Bradford - a favourite city, not least because it isn't far from where Emmerdale is filmed in Leeds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Touring in a production is a lovely way to see the UK,' says Fiona. And she's a huge fan of crime novels. 'I'm going to start working my way through Peter James's long list of thrillers, beginning, of course, with Picture You Dead.' Jodie Steele, 34, plays Roberta Kilgore, who plays in the darker aspects of the art world. 'I've made it my business wherever possible,' she says, 'to play baddies: so much more fun and something to get your teeth into. I've just finished filming the TV series of Malory Towers and I'm a baddie in that, too. Quite different, I should add, from real life because I'm a total softie.' Picture You Dead is her first thriller in a busy career dominated by musicals: Heathers, Blanche in Bonnie and Clyde, Wicked, and Catherine Howard in the all-conquering Six. Most recently, she toured in a new production of Filumena starring Felicity Kendal. Jodie's delighted, she says, to be in the stage adaptation of a Peter James book because her older sister, Chloe, is his biggest fan. 'She's read all 21 of his Roy Grace thrillers. The stories are like jigsaw puzzles. He's a sort of modern-day Agatha Christie.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last word to Peter himself. So, what is it about whodunits, in his opinion, that appeals to the reading – or theatre-going – public? 'People love being scared,' he says, 'although in a safe way. Bad things happen in the world so it's satisfying to see them resolved. And there's no harm in throwing in a little gallows humour along the way.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
First look at thriller play coming to Glasgow next month
New production images have been released ahead of a British thriller play coming to Glasgow next month. The Theatre Royal is holding shows for Picture You Dead between June 10 and 14. To book tickets, go to The play is based on Peter James' Roy Grace novel and has been adapted for the stage by award-winning writer Shaun McKenna. Ore Oduba (Image: Chris Bishop) Set in Brighton, the story sees Detective Superintendent Roy Grace investigate a cold case that leads him to the world of art, with a trail of greed, deception, and murder. It is also the inspiration for the ITV drama, Grace. Ore Oduba, from Strictly Come Dancing and the TV series Grace, makes his debut performance in the stage adaptation as Stuart Piper, an eccentric millionaire art collector. Ore, who has starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Pretty Woman, said: "I'm so excited to become part of the fantastic cast of Picture You Dead. (Left to right) Gemma Stroyan, George Rainsford (Image: Supplied) "I've watched their excellent performances in front of a packed house and seen audiences have a fabulous time watching the show. "It's great fun and full of twists and turns, comedy and shocks. "I am thrilled to be in it." The full cast includes Emmerdale star Fiona Wade, Gemma Stroyan who was recently in Lockerbie: A Search For Truth, George Rainsford from Call the Midwife and Casualty, and Ben Cutler as Harry Kipling. Peter James, the novelist, said: "It is truly incredible for me to see the seventh stage adaptation of my books. "I am so grateful to the hundreds of thousands of people around the UK who have come to their local theatre and enjoyed the plays over the last 10 years. "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."
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV drop huge Grace update as detective show characters are reunited
ITV drop huge Grace update as detective show characters are reunited After a massive twist at the end of season five, Grace fans will be thrilled to find out they won't have to wait long for season six. Filming has commenced for season six of ITV's Grace. (Image: ITV ) Fans of ITV's Grace will be thrilled to know that filming has commenced for season six as the cast have been spotted together. The popular series has generated 16 million streams on ITVX, with just over 9 million streams for the fifth season alone. Season five saw a huge twist in its final moments of the finale which shocked fans as John Simm's character, Roy Grace paid a visit to the disgraced former police chief, Cassian Pewe in prison, unveiling yet another ominous secret. John Simm, will reprise his role as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, and has recently reunited with his co-stars Richie Campbell (DI Glenn Branson) and Laura Elphinstone (DS Bella Moy). For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The three of them were spotted together on set whilst wearing forensic suits and a clapperboard which read that 'Grace Scene 1, slate 1' and was dated April 28, 2025. They have began filming the four brand new standalone films which are based on the best-selling novels written by globally renowned author Peter James. The author's bestselling novels, have seen over 21 million copies sold worldwide, with the books being translated into 38 languages. Peter expressed his delight at the show's journey, saying: "When the first episode of Grace aired in 2021, it was a dream come true. It is both heartening and astounding to me that we're already at series five!". Article continues below He also praised the show's achievements, attributing its continued success to the stellar cast led by John Simm, the dedicated crew, and the fans who have fervently followed the characters from the novels to the screen. James commended ITV for their loyalty to the source material, stating: "It is also a testament to just how faithfully ITV have adhered to both the characters and stories in the novels." They have revealed that the titles for series six will include, Left You Dead, Picture You Dead, and One Of Us Is Dead. All of which are based off of Peter's books, so if you have already read them, no spoilers please! Along with John, Richie and Laura, making a return will be Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey and Brad Morrison as DC NickNicholl. They have also announced that Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Gurjeet Singh, HannahMcClean, Tamla Kari and Sara Powell will appear as guest stars. John said : "This is the longest I've been involved in any show! But it's such a joy to do, and to be surrounded by a team like this for large chunks of the year makes it impossible to turn down. I'm really looking forward to seeing where Roy's journey goes in this series." The actor, while discussing the show's success during the promotion of the latest season, remarked: "It's so difficult to start from scratch with a detective show, it really has to catch fire and that only happens after two or three series. We're about to start series six so clearly it has struck a chord with a lot of people." He further revealed details about the upcoming season, noting: "Nothing is ever tied up – just when you think it's all done it's not, there's plenty more instore. This series ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger too –there's a huge storyline that we will pick up in series six and the stakes get higher every season." Both John and Peter are executive producers on the new season of Grace, alongside Phil Hunter for Tall Story Pictures, and Andrew O'Connor and Paul Sandler for Vaudeville Productions and Kiaran Murray- Smith. Executive Producer Phil Hunter commented: "Grace is such a joy to make so we are thrilled at how well received series five was. It's great to be back in Brighton with our brilliant and talented cast and crew to shoot another four episodes this summer." Article continues below
Daily Record
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Grace series 6 confirmed as John Simm returns to filming alongside co-stars
The crime drama has been a hit with viewers, and now ITV have confirmed that filming for series six has begun, as John Simm, Richie Campbell and Laura Elphinstone are spotted on set. Filming for the sixth series of ITV's popular crime drama Grace is now underway. John Simm returns as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, teaming up once again with Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson and Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy. The trio were spotted on set, dressed in their characters' forensic suits and holding a clapperboard, as they began work on four new standalone films based on Peter James' bestselling novels. Series six will feature adaptations of Left You Dead, Picture You Dead, and One Of Us Is Dead. Zoë Tapper will reprise her role as Cleo Morey, and Brad Morrison will return as DC Nick Nicholl. Guest stars will include Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Gurjeet Singh, Hannah McClean, Tamla Kari, and Sara Powell, reports the Mirror. John Simm expressed his enthusiasm for the series, saying: "This is the longest I've been involved in any show! But it's such a joy to do, and to be surrounded by a team like this for large chunks of the year makes it impossible to turn down. "I'm really looking forward to seeing where Roy's journey goes in this series." The previous series of Grace concluded on ITV1 and STV last month and is available to stream on ITVX and STV Player, with the first episode consolidating at six million viewers after 28 days. The show has proven to be a hit, generating 16 million streams on ITVX across all five series, with series five alone accounting for over nine million streams so far. The series was ordered by Director of Drama Polly Hill along with Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones. The production is being overseen by Huw for the channel. Executive Producer Phil Hunter said: "Grace is such a joy to make so we are thrilled at how well received series five was. It's great to be back in Brighton with our brilliant and talented cast and crew to shoot another four episodes this summer." The first episode of series five saw the team investigating a gruesome murder of an elderly woman in her own home, leading to a shocking revelation of secrets and lies. The killer was finally unmasked at the end of the episode, revealing a significant link to the past. In a heartwarming twist, Roy decided to propose to his new partner, who is pregnant with their child, choosing to leave his past behind after his first wife Sandy vanished and was presumed dead. However, viewers are aware that Sandy is very much alive. Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted by the ringing doorbell. On answering the door, she was met with the horrifying sight of a baby doll in a pram set on fire. In shock, she called for Roy, who rushed out to investigate but found no one - leaving viewers in suspense over who could have done such a thing.
ITV News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
ITV releases first look image featuring John Simm, Richie Campbell and Laura Elphinestone as filming commences on Grace
ITV releases first look image featuring John Simm, Richie Campbell and Laura Elphinestone as filming commences on Grace Following ITV's announcement that popular Brighton-based detective drama Grace is set to return, the filming of series six has commenced. John Simm, who will reprise his role as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, was reunited with his co-stars Richie Campbell, who plays DI Glenn Branson, and Laura Elphinstone who plays DS Bella trio are seen together on set wearing their character forensic suits, and holding a clapper board as they begin filming four brand new standalone films based on the best-selling novels written by globally renowned author Peter James. The titles for series six, based on Peter's books, will include: Left You Dead, Picture You Dead, and One Of Us Is Dead. Also set to return are Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey and Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl, and guest stars will include Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Gurjeet Singh, Hannah McClean, Tamla Kari and Sara Powell. John Simm commented: 'This is the longest I've been involved in any show! But it's such a joy to do, and to be surrounded by a team like this for large chunks of the year makes it impossible to turn down. I'm really looking forward to seeing where Roy's journey goes in this series.' Series 5 of Grace, which concluded airing on ITV1 and STV last month, is available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player. The first episode is currently consolidating at 6 million viewers after 28 days. All five series of Grace have generated 16 million streams on ITVX, with just over 9 million streams for series 5 so far. The series is commissioned by Director of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones. Huw oversees production on behalf of the broadcaster. Grace is produced by Tall Story Pictures, part of ITV Studios, and Vaudeville Productions. The Executive Producers are Phil Hunter for Tall Story Pictures, and Andrew O'Connor and Paul Sandler for Vaudeville Productions, Kiaran Murray- Smith, Peter James and John Simm. Writers for this series will be Guy Burt, Caroline Carver, Ed Whitmore and Ameir Brown. Executive Producer Phil Hunter commented: 'Grace is such a joy to make so we are thrilled at how well received series five was. It's great to be back in Brighton with our brilliant and talented cast and crew to shoot another four episodes this summer.' Grace is also a BritBox Original, available on BritBox in North America and Australia.
