Ore Oduba Joins Star Cast of Peter James’ Picture You Dead, Coming to New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion
The world premiere stage adaptation of Picture You Dead, the latest thriller from bestselling crime writer Peter James, is heading to New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion — and it’s just added a star name to its cast.
TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba will join the major UK tour from 20 May, taking on the role of eccentric millionaire art collector Stuart Piper. The gripping new production is adapted from James’ bestselling Roy Grace novel and promises a chilling dive into the dark underworld of fine art forgery, deception and murder.
Oduba, whose stage credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Pretty Woman and Rocky Horror Show, will take the spotlight just weeks after the return of ITV’s hit crime drama GRACE, based on the same beloved character. Joining him on stage is Emmerdale star Fiona Wade, who plays Freya Kipling — a woman whose chance car boot sale discovery of a potentially priceless painting sets off a deadly chain of events.
Returning to the iconic role of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is Casualty and Call the Midwife favourite George Rainsford, while West End powerhouse Jodie Steele (Wicked, Heathers, Bonnie & Clyde) takes on the villainous role of Roberta Kilgore.
Until 17 May, Coronation Street star Peter Ash is appearing as David Hegarty — a reformed art forger based on real-life former criminal-turned-copyist David Henty, who inspired the story after meeting Peter James.
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and adapted by award-winning writer Shaun McKenna, Picture You Dead is the seventh Roy Grace novel to be brought to the stage. Set in Brighton, the story follows Grace as he reopens a cold case that pulls him into a deadly web of criminal activity lurking beneath the polished surface of the fine art world.
Author Peter James has hailed the production as his “best one so far,” adding: “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.”
Ore Oduba said: “It’s great fun and full of twists and turns, comedy and shocks! I can’t wait to be in it.”
Picture You Dead is touring the UK until 26 July 2025.
Picture You Dead
20 – 24 May 2025
Floral Pavillion
Tickets
