Dead Simple

Our mum about town Kelly Jobanputra checks out the Wyvern stage adaptation of the Peter James best-seller - REVIEW

 

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

Monday 20 - Saturday 25 April 2015

 

Following the nationwide critically acclaimed hit premiere stage production of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder earlier this year, the best-selling work of the No.1 novelist returns to the stage in 2015 with the adaptation of his most famous and popular book to date and the first book that featured James’ now famous character of Detective Roy Grace – Dead Simple.

Michael Harrison thinks he has it all; great career, good friends and a beautiful fiancée. But when his stag night prank goes horribly wrong, Michael finds himself alone, buried alive and staring death in the face. As time runs out and the terror grows, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace tries to solve his mysterious disappearance, but begins to fear that Michael will never be found in time.

 

 

Review of Dead Simple

By Kelly Jobanputra
 

What is your worst fear? How would you cope if you were faced with being completely alone in a frightening situation?

Crime and thriller novelist Peter James takes you to a very dark place in his book ‘Dead Simple’, and the storyline is currently being acted out on stage at the Wyvern Theatre.
 

The first night of its six day run in Swindon was on Monday evening (20th April) and the cast were met with a completely sold out crowd.
 

From the very start, this production was engaging, intriguing and ultimately terrifying. The storyline was pure genius and everyone was gripped as we saw how one of the main characters, played by actor Jamie Lomas, was buried alive in a coffin with only a walkie-talkie for company.
 

The fact that this play has a star studded cast just added to the excitement of the evening. Tina Hobley, who played the part of Ashley Harper and is well known for her part in Holby City, was captivating from the minute she graced the stage.
 

 

Emmerdale regular, Rik Makarem, played the part of Mark Warren and it has to be said that his acting skills are truly believable and mesmerizing.
 

But the real star of the show has to be Josh Brown, who played the part of Davey Wheeler. To learn that this is Josh’s first professional theatre role is astounding as it felt like he was born to be treading the boards. It’s no surprise that he has had extensive TV and film credits.
 

The sets have to get a mention as well because they were excellently created and set the tone in all the right places.

It would be hard to find anyone who would not be entertained to the max by this show, even the resistant theatre goer.
 

This is a definite five star rated show and the best drama that has been performed at the Wyvern Theatre in a while.