Thrilling murder mystery – Peter James’ “Not dead enough”

London Event Reviews by May B

More twists and turns and dead ends than a country lane. And there was humour, tension and thrills thrown in for good measure. Some of the audience members commented that they were genuinely scared in parts.

I hadn’t read the book nor seen the sell-out successes of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder and Dead Simple. But I enjoy crime stories so I went along to this world premiere production with an open mind. I was gripped by the story. There were a lot of his fans in the audience – and they were not disappointed.

Shane Richie played Detective Superintendent Roy Grace – he ran the full range from Cockney police banter to confused detective with aplomb - a consummate professional. Laura Whitmore, in one of her first professional acting performances (as opposed to presenting or reality TV) played his girlfriend and head mortician Cleo Morey and she did a pretty good job. But star of the show was undoubtedly Stephen Billington playing Brian Bishop for an exceptionally versatile performance.

The multi-level set allowed us to move between the mortuary, the interview room and the detectives’ office as the story unfolded. It starts with a shocking murder – with the victim’s husband apparently sixty miles away, asleep in bed. Cold cases, old grudges, personal mysteries, confusing evidence and a few more murders along the way lead us down those plot twists and turns. There was a dramatic – and unexpected – conclusion.

It was an absorbing, clever and satisfying story that was expertly produced. The verdict on this one is that you simply have to see it.
Not dead enough is on at Richmond Theatre this week. http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/not-dead-enough/richmond-theatre/#overview_tab Then it continues its tour around the UK with performances in Bromley at the end of May.

Posted Date
Mar 13, 2017 in London Event Reviews by May B by May B