Tour Photo credit: Alastair Muir

As readers of this blog are aware, I am a massive fan of “whodunnit thrillers”. They keep me on the edge of my seat as I spend two hours trying to work out who is the person responsible for all the wrong doings.
I was delighted to be invited by the Alexandra Theatre to the world premiere UK tour of Looking Good Dead.

Adapted for the stage by award winning writer Shaun McKenna, Looking Good Dead is based on the series of books featuring Detective Superintendent Roy Grace written by No.1 best selling author Peter James. The plot focuses on the dysfunctional Bryce family whose lives get turned upside down when Tom Bryce picks up a USB memory stick left behind on a train seat. On trying to return it to the owner he becomes a witness to a vicious murder. Reporting the crime to the police has disastrous consequences, placing him and his family in grave danger. When Detective Superintendent Roy Grace investigates, he also has his own demons to contend with while he tries to crack the case in time to save the Bryce family.


Set design by Michael Holt, lighting design by Jason Taylor and music and sound design by Max Pappenheim, combine perfectly to transport the viewer to various locations and to effectively add to the tension of this piece. There is great chemistry on stage between caring father Tom Bryce (Adam Woodyatt) and feisty mother Kellie Bryce (Laurie Brett). They create a typical picture of family life complete with the everyday disagreements and humour. I was impressed by the skill shown in the writing of this piece that created humour even in some of the most shocking scenes. This was a superb thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, causing me to jump in surprise a few times (much to my own amusement).

Although I did make a few correct guesses as to what would happen, I did not fully expect the chilling twist at the end. With strong performances and an excellent plot, I would thoroughly recommend this production to anyone looking for an evening of thrilling entertainment.


Looking Good Dead was at the Alexandra Theatre until 26th February 2022 when it continues its UK tour.

MT

Theatretastic 4/5:

We say: “This was a superb thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat!”