Adapted by award-winning writer Shaun McKenna, Looking Good Dead follows Peter James’ novel in which the Bryce family inadvertently get mixed up in a rather sinister situation, and Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (Harry Long) has the task of solving the case before it’s too late.
Apparently the primary character in James’ books, Detective Grace takes something of a backseat in this stage adaptation, functioning more to spell out the puzzle on behalf of the audience than crime solving himself. Perhaps the books focus more on the police team dynamic, but here although we’re offered insight into their private lives including Branson’s messy divorce, there’s little emotional connection with the audience and their strength lies more in their casual banter.
The focal point of the story is the Bryce family. Adam Woodyatt and Laurie Brett fell into their familiar strained dysfunctional soap opera family routine as married couple Tom and Kellie with ease, while Luke Ward-Wilkinson fit in nicely as their stereotypically stroppy teenage son, Max. Max shows the most character development, evolving from the sullen ipad-addicted teen we see in the opening to show his vulnerability.
The writing is done well, moving the plot along at a good pace and teasing clues without revealing too much at any one time leading to a truly shocking twist in the second half.
The rapid pace is enabled by Michael Holt’s well designed set. The Bryce’s generic showhome apartment at the forefront while the gruesome displays take place on a raised area behind a hazy screen enabling quick switches in location. The police station rolls in effortlessly when needed.
The use of innocuous influencer equipment makes the action particularly unnerving. A ringlight usually designed to flatter acts here as an unescapable spotlight, coupled with a take on the traditional YouTuber spiel -“don’t forget to like and subscribe” – in the most threatening Irish accent sends shudders.
Grace’s rather two-dimensional portrayal here doesn’t inspire to follow more of his literary crime solving, but as a stand-alone stage thriller the show provides the kind of goosebumps you’d hope for.
Looking Good Dead is showing at The Belgrade until 12th March. Buy tickets here https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/looking-good-dead/
****
Looking Good Dead at The Belgrade
Katie Reviews 