Review: Picture You Dead at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Peter James’ Picture You Dead

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 17 May 2025

Detective Roy Grace returns to the Theatre Royal stage to solve another mystery. The popular policeman finds that working in Brighton's art world can be murder.

The 2022 novel is the eighteenth one in the Roy Grace series and the adaptation from Shaun McKenna works well on the stage. There is a clear market for police procedurals and murder mystery shows. Of course the interval chat is always wondering how the tale will end. I had not read the book so it was all fresh to me.

Ben Cutler and Fiona Wade appear as the couple Harry and Freya Kipling. The show begins with them returning from a car boot sale and they have two purchases: a large 60s style swivel car that looks like it could be used by a James Bond villain and a painting that is nothing special but the frame along was worth the £20 asking price.

They notice that the picture looks like an overpainting so they seek advice from Dave Hegarty (Peter Ash) who is an artist that Harry had built a garage for. Dave had picked up painting whilst in prison and was previously in the business of creating fakes - but now just makes copies. He advises the couple to clear the top layer of paint off using acetone. Sure enough a new painting is revealed and they decide to take it to the filming of a television antiques valuation show. This then sets a series of events in motion...

Meanwhile George Rainsford appears as Roy Grace who is looking into a reopened cold case in which an art dealer had been killed. Along with sidekick Bella (Gemma Stroyan), who in fairness does probably more of the detective work by the end of the show, he finds himself looking into a complex web of issues.

Adrian Linford's set spilt into three clear areas which can keep the action flowing without any breaks. You have the Kipling's house on one side and another flat on the other that doubles for both forger Hegarty and the home of art dealer Stuart Piper (Nicholas Maude). A third area at the stage front can be anything from police corridor through to the set of Antiques Roadshow. One the positive side, the set allows director Jonathan O'Boyle to keep the action going. The only issue is that the action sometimes disappears out of view if you are set on the right hand side of the auditorium.

The show has villains but I'm not in the business of spoilers. The story reveals quite a lot fairly quickly so it ends up as a police procedural - with a few surprises along the way - rather than a straight murder mystery in which you are wondering whodunnit. As I said at the start, there is a market for this type of show and it is clear that Peter James has his fans who want to see his books brought alive. This show does a decent job of that. Sure, I could have happily trimmed 10 minutes off the first act but the better pace of the second half more than made up for the way the plot is set up at the start.

The programme has an article from the book's author Peter James about the origin of the story which is worth a read. He apparently was given the opportunity to go to lunch with an actual art forger called David Henty upon which the character Dave Hegarty is based upon. The article clearly flags up the similarities between the real criminal, who picked up painting in prison and went on the forge his own blue plaque for his house, and on stage Hegarty. Indeed, it is Peter Ash who gives the most pleasing performance in the show as his character feels properly fleshed out and fully formed    

The show is a decent police drama that has a satisfying ending. Perhaps too much is revealed too quickly - or that the ending is fairly easy to guess because of the signalling throughout the show - but it still makes for a nice entertaining evening at the theatre.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Alastair Muir

Tickets:

Picture You Dead plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 May 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Operation Mincemeat at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Operation Mincemeat First Ever World Tour To Visit Newcastle Theatre Royal

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical 

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday  22 – Saturday 27 June 2026

Olivier Award winning and Tony Award nominated Best Musical, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is launching a globe-spanning World Tour and will be visiting Newcastle Theatre Royal in June 2026! This announcement comes after the production’s third Broadway and fifteenth West End extension.

In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

 

SpitLip, the musical’s writers and composers, commented: "Broadway opened the literal world to us, and we couldn't be more grateful for every unpredictable twist of this astonishing journey. Most of all, we wish to thank the audiences who continue to carry this show with love and enthusiasm. Operation Mincemeat reminds us that in uncertain times, the bonds between allies are more important than ever - and that message feels especially relevant as we consider all the great nations in which our show will now have the opportunity to play. This show continues to be the adventure of a lifetime, and we're wildly excited about what's to come.”

  

The decision to write the musical was the last roll of the dice from the quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960 before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962.

 

Operation Mincemeat began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at London’s New Diorama Theatre. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on May 9, 2023, at the Fortune Theatre, where it has since received 74 five-star reviews and counting, becoming ‘the Best Reviewed Show in West End History.’ Now in its third sold-out year, the show continues to play to standing-room-only crowds and has built one of London’s most passionate fanbases, affectionately known as the "Mincefluencers."

 

Operation Mincemeat has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show is nominated for 4 Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Malone, who previously won the Olivier Award in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans' Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

Photos: Matt Crockett

Tickets:

Operation Mincemeat plays Newcastle Theatre Royal in June 2026. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Grounded at Alphabetti Theatre

Grounded at Alphabetti Theatre – A Lyrical Exploration of Grief, Hope, and Humanity

Grounded

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre 

Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 May 2025

Grief is a quiet visitor, but in Grounded, it speaks—through words, through music, and through a house that remembers. From 21–24 May 2025, Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre premieres Grounded, a bold and evocative new play that blends lived experience with experimental storytelling, humour, and hope.

Co-produced by Alphabetti and North East-based company Albatross, Grounded is the result of an ambitious collaboration between professional artists and community participants living with grief and isolation. Developed through long-term workshops and supported by Newcastle University and UKRI’s ESRC fund, the production transforms personal stories into a powerful theatrical experience.

Set in the lingering shadow of the pandemic, Grounded tells a dual narrative. Zoe Lambert portrays a woman navigating the raw terrain of personal loss, while Christina Berriman-Dawson gives voice to a sentient house—an unusual but deeply moving character who mirrors its inhabitant’s emotional landscape. Their intertwined journeys form the heart of a story that is at once grounded in reality and elevated by imagination.

Blurring the lines between theatre, live music, and sonic experimentation, the production features an original score performed live using water glasses and the rare Yaybahaar instrument, offering audiences an immersive auditory experience. “This play has allowed me to take ownership of my story,” said Karen Underhill, one of the play’s composers. “It’s given me a creative way to process what felt unprocessable. To have my voice, and the voices of others like me, heard in this way feels vital.”

Director Meghan Doyle leads a team that includes writer Ruth Raynor, composer Wilf Stone, and Alphabetti’s new Artistic Director Edward Cole, who describes Grounded as “a cornerstone to our Spring Season.” Cole adds, “It tells a story that will unite audiences in joy, warmth, and a shared understanding of something we all went through—but many have yet to fully process.”

Despite its theme, Grounded is not a sombre piece. The script is laced with unexpected humour and invites moments of levity and light. The house is not just haunted by memories—it is alive with music, echoing the resilience that grows in the cracks of sorrow.

Accessibility is a key part of the production. A captioned performance takes place on Thursday 22 May, and a relaxed, audio-described matinee is scheduled for Saturday 24 May. A post-show discussion on Friday 23 May offers audiences a chance to reflect and share.

Grounded is more than a play—it’s a collective act of remembering, of processing, and of healing. It stands as a testament to the ways that art can hold space for grief while gently guiding us toward connection. This is a production that promises to resonate long after the final note fades.

Tickets: Tickets are priced inclusively, with a Pay What You Feel option on opening night, and a “No Questions Asked” ticket available for all performances. Bookings can be made at Alphabetti Theatre's website.

Preview: Sun Records – The Concert at Darlington Hippodrome

🎤 THE SOUND THAT SHAPED A GENERATION: 

Sun Records – The Concert Rocks into Darlington This June 🎸

Sun Records – The Concert

Darlington Hippodrome

Tuesday 17 June 2025 

This summer, Darlington is about to get a taste of musical history with a show that brings the very roots of rock’n’roll back to life. On Tuesday 17 June 2025, the stage of the Darlington Hippodrome will be transformed into the legendary Memphis studio where it all began, as Sun Records – The Concert arrives with a bang.

Endorsed and officially licensed by the Sun Entertainment Corporation, USA, this thrilling live show captures the moment rock’n’roll was born, telling the story of Sun Records, the small but mighty label that changed music forever. Think you know the origins of rock music? Think again. This production promises to be a visceral, foot-stomping time capsule unlike anything you've seen before.

🎶 FROM $3.98 TO IMMORTALITY

It all started on July 18, 1953, when a young Elvis Presley walked into the Memphis Recording Service at Sun Records and paid $3.98 to record two songs for his mother: My Happiness and That's When Your Heartaches Begin. That humble demo became the spark for a cultural explosion that still echoes today.

What followed was a string of discoveries that reads like a rock’n’roll hall of fame: Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and many more. Sun Records didn’t just find talent – it helped invent the sound of modern music, blending gospel, blues, country, and boogie to create something raw, fresh, and utterly unforgettable.

🎸 “THE MUSIC TELLS THE STORY”

Unlike any jukebox musical or tribute show before it, Sun Records – The Concert is meticulously crafted to capture the authentic sound and spirit of the era. The show’s producer, Pete Tobit, explains:

“During the Fifties, the trailblazing Sun Studio created the songs that became the template of rock’n’roll. ‘That’s Alright Mama’, ‘Great Balls of Fire’, ‘I Walk the Line’, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ – these were all original Sun recordings. This show takes the audience right inside the studio where the magic happened and lets the music do the talking.”

 

And it’s not just lip service. The production has been rehearsed in a full-scale replica of the original Sun Studios, using vintage instruments and featuring a young, high-octane cast of elite musicians who channel the energy, swagger, and imperfections that defined the genre.

🎤 THE ONLY OFFICIAL SUN RECORDS STAGE SHOW

With the seal of approval from Sun Entertainment Corporation, this concert is the only live show licensed by the legendary label. John Singleton, President of Sun Entertainment, is unequivocal:

“Sam Phillips recorded the ‘perfect imperfection’ of music – how songs were meant to sound, live on stage. ‘Sun Records – The Concert’ captures that perfectly – in a two-hour spectacular that’ll leave you calling out for more!”

 

From the driving rhythms of Jackie Brenston and Ike Turner, to the soul of Rufus Thomas, and the breakout brilliance of Elvis, Johnny, Jerry Lee, Carl, and Roy – this show is a living, breathing celebration of music history, served loud and proud.

🎥 WANT A TASTER?

Watch the official promo video:
▶️ YouTube
▶️ Vimeo

📱 FOLLOW THE SHOW ONLINE

Instagram / Facebook / X: @sunrecordstc
Website: sunrecordstc.com

🎟️ Tickets:

This is more than a concert – it’s a musical time machine that takes you to the birthplace of rock’n’roll. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Sun’s influence for the first time, Sun Records – The Concert will leave you buzzing with the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined a generation.

One night only – Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 7:30pm at Darlington Hippodrome.
Tickets range from £14.50 to £25 and are available at:
🎫 www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
📞 Or call the box office: 01325 405 405

Preview: Handbagged at Northern Stage

Handbagged Brings the Queen and Thatcher Back to the Stage 

— With a 1980s Remix

Handbagged 

Newcastle Northern Stage 

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 May 2025

Theatre lovers in Newcastle are in for a sharp, satirical treat this May as Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s reimagined production of Handbagged arrives at Northern Stage from 13 – 17 May. This clever comedy by Moira Buffini—about the imagined conversations between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher—is part of a major national tour produced in partnership with the National Theatre through its Theatre Nation Partnerships network.

Directed by Alex Thorpe, this new interpretation brings fresh musical life to the iconic clash of two formidable figures. Handbagged has been infused with a cappella arrangements and “reworking of 80s pop classics” composed by Kate Marlais, played out against Katie Lias’ golden contemporary set and Ryan Day’s award-winning lighting design.

“I am thrilled to welcome this multi-talented cast to Hornchurch as we prepare to embark on the most ambitious TNP tour to date,” said Thorpe. “As we reexamine these fierce and famed women, joining this ensemble company is some of the UK’s most exciting creative talents, realising Moira Buffini’s satirically funny comedy. Performed on Katie Lias’ golden contemporary set and propelled by Kate Marlais's reworking of 80’s pop classics and the award-winning Ryan Day’s lighting – this truly extraordinary team is not to be missed.”

The play examines the complex decade-long relationship between the Queen and her Prime Minister, blending historical insight with biting humour. Two pairs of actors portray the women in different stages of life: Emma Ernest (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe) plays the younger ‘Mags’ (Margaret Thatcher), while Morag Cross (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) embodies the elder ‘T’. Meanwhile, the younger Queen Elizabeth II (‘Liz’) is played by Helen Reuben (Cabaret, English Theatre Frankfurt), and the older ‘Q’ by Sarah Moyle, known to many as Valerie from BBC’s Doctors.

The four leads are joined by a dynamic ensemble: Cassius Konneh and Dennis Herdman take on 17 additional roles between them, with support from Tiajna Amayo and Jane Quinn rounding out the company.

As part of the National Theatre’s Theatre Nation Partnerships initiative—spanning 13 partners across 14 areas—Handbagged aims to reach new and diverse audiences, especially those with limited access to live performance. Between 2022 and 2025, the programme will reach an estimated 500,000 people through touring productions, community engagement, and school outreach.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, which co-produces the tour, continues its mission to deliver bold theatre to regional audiences. A previous winner of UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award (2016–2018) and London Theatre of the Year 2020 (The Stage Awards), the venue is proud to push boundaries in both style and storytelling.

Handbagged promises a royally entertaining night out, full of political bite, nostalgic flair, and musical surprises. It is suitable for ages 10+ and plays at Northern Stage from 13–17 May.

Photos: Manuel Harlan

Tickets: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/handbagged/