Alongside Agatha Christie, Peter James is synonymous with some of the biggest and best crime novels, many of which have been adapted into stage plays. Wish You Were Dead is the newest in that series.

An all star cast, which includes George Rainsford (Casualty), Clive Mantle (Game of Thrones) and Katie McGlynn (Coronation Street) bring the 18th book in Peter James' series of Roy Grace novels to life.

When Detective Superintendent Grace (Rainsford) and Cleo Morey (McGlynn) take their first holiday together, they hope for a few days away from their everyday worlds of murder and the mortuary. But their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell. Grace can't step away from work...but maybe that's not such a bad thing?

Taking place on a single, imposing set, Wish You Were Dead is a simple premise but one which is executed, in every way, with a great deal of skill. From elements of scenery which lead you down the wrong path to a brilliant lighting effect which gives the audience a glimpse into the reality of the situation, the aesthetic of the production is exemplary.

The show is very much a piece of two halves. Act 1 set's up the story with act 2 adding meat to the bones and leading to an explosive conclusion. This isn't a 'whodunnit', that's very clear from the mid-way point. Instead, Wish You Were Dead deals with finding a solution to a problem and its the cast on stage who are the true heroes of the evening.

Rainsford shines as Roy Grace - a role which he plays in a significantly different way to that which was seen in the recent ITV drama series. He gives the character a believability and a loveable side which means he has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first moments on stage. Partnered brilliantly with McGlynn, who has proven herself as a versatile and mature actress, the duo have the most unbelievable - or, more to the point, the most believable - chemistry. 

Clive Mantle plays Curtis, the villain of the piece and balances camp eccentricity with intimidating prowess perfectly. No stranger to the stage, Mantle's years of experience show in what appears to be an effortless, but detailed take on the role.

All in all, whilst the story is simple, Wish You Were Dead perfectly balances humour, drama and suspense - attributes which make it probably one of the best productions of its kind touring the UK at the moment.

Wish You Were Dead plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 24th June 2023. For more information and to get your tickets, head to atgtickets.com/birmingham.