AD-Gifted
I am a huge crime thriller fan so couldn’t wait to see Looking Good Dead at The Lowry this week.
Peter James happens to be my second favourite author, after the queen that is Val McDermid of course. So I was ecstatic to learn his second novel in the Roy Grace series has been adapted into a stage play.
Don’t forget to read my other crime reviews of Dial M for Murder and The House on Cold Hill
We meet the Bryce’s, a typical suburban family who are thrown into the middle of a dangerous situation. After Tom uses a USB stick he just happens to find on a train, he and his son witness a brutal murder. Before they know it, they are threatened to keep their mouths shut. Soon DS Roy Grace and his team are on the case trying to track down the killers, who may be closer to the story than we think.
The first half is slow as we get to know the characters and premise, but after the interval I was completely hooked. The investigation suddenly gets into full swing and you start to put the pieces together. And even though I made some accurate guesses, I did not expect the main twist!
A thriller cast
The family life created on stage felt very authentic, with the constant squabbles and jokes. Tom Bryce (Adam Woodyatt) was a caring father figure and realistic argument maker, probably thanks to Adam’s many years in Eastenders. Kellie Bryce (Haynor Faye) was relaxed, fun and feisty and her son Max (Luke Ward-Wilkinson) the typical tech obsessed teen.
As an avid Roy Grace fan, I do know the copper characters well. Or at least my versions of them.
Roy Grace (Harry Long) was as tall and calm as I imagined with a strong sense of authority. His colleague and best mate Glenn Branson (Leon Stewart) brought the humour we love him for but maybe I was expecting more energetic charm. And Bella Moy (Gemma Stroyan) balanced the hard kindness with ease.
I did miss the busy police station and cop comradery you feel in the books. The likes of fellow coppers Norman and Nick were mentioned but never seen. But I understand it is difficult in a stage adaptation.
Given my knowledge of the books, it was pleasing to see some of the individual back stories brought in such as Roy’s missing ex-wife Sandy and current misses Cleo and Glenn’s troubled home life and racer style driving ability.
Looking Good Dead really did keep me on the edge of my seat and gave a chilling twist.
Playing at The Lowry in Salford until Saturday 22 January 2022.