The action scenes, which were few and far between consisted of lacklustre punches and tackles which could be further refined and dramatic, however the strength of the plot and its surprise moments carried the play. One thing that is missed from the magic of television and filming within this genre is the use of clever and creeping camera angles that build suspense, unfortunately an element live theatre just cannot provide, leaving some of the more suspenseful moments lacking flair. The second act was filled with twists and turns, the climax of which leaving unfamiliar audiences with a shocking revelation. However, as the second act opens, we’re immediately thrust into the crime drama etiquettes, audiences know and love. The first act did take some time to develop into the gripping drama it became, filling the majority of the act with steamily unnecessary scenes and information. Completing the set is a movable police office which joins the stage with its own soundtrack music, further adding to that typical BBC crime drama atmosphere of the play. Divided by a sheer cloth, behind the house of the Bryce family lies an ominous warehouse setting complete with steel beams and chains. The staging is brilliant, with a modern house acting as the main focus where most of the action unfolds. Adam is joined by fellow soap actress Gaynor Faye as his wife Kellie, who recently starred in The BBC’s ‘The Syndicate’. With a star-studded cast including Adam Woodyatt as Tom, best known for playing Ian Beale in ‘Eastenders’, and a recent stint on 2021’s ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (Harry Long) steps in to try and crack the case in time to save the family’s lives. Tom Bryce (Adam Woodyatt) and son Max (Luke Ward-Wilkinson) inadvertently witness a murder after finding a USB stick on a train.

The story centres around the Bryce family: a typical family from Brighton, with your regular family squabbles, moody teenagers and standard day to day life – but their lives turn from the everyday to the sinister with one phone call.

It’s clear to see why as you unpick the story. Peter James is known as WH Smith’s ‘Best Crime Author of all time’ his 2006 novel ‘Looking Good Dead’ reached No2 in the Sunday Times paperback best seller list. ‘Looking Good Dead’ is the crime drama audiences are craving, live on stage. From Netflix to the BBC, there’s always something new within this genre to thrill and enthral audiences.

There’s a real appetite for crime dramas currently.

Looking good dead review