Following on from five hit stage shows and the new acclaimed ITV series, Grace, the work of best-selling author, Peter James returns to Leeds Grand Theatre from 2 – 6 May 2023, with the world premiere stage adaption of Wish You Were Dead.
This will be the sixth stage adaptation of Peter James’ best-selling novels, making it the most successful crime thriller stage franchise since Agatha Christie. Casualty’s George Rainsford will star as James’s famous detective DSI Roy Grace, alongside TV and theatre legend Clive Mantle, who will star as Curtis, and Coronation Street’s Katie McGlynn who will make her stage debut as Cleo Morey. Leon Stewart will return to the role of DS Glenn Branson, having previously starred in another Peter James stage adaptation, Looking Good Dead.
The stage play of Wish You Were Dead follows DSI Roy Grace and Cleo Morey as they take a much-needed holiday together. They are hoping for a few days away from their dark worlds of murder and the mortuary. But their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell, as the past comes back to haunt them.
Previous Peter James novels brought to the stage include Looking Good Dead which premiered last year, starring Adam Woodyatt and Gaynor Faye; The House on Cold Hill, starring Joe McFadden and Rita Simons in 2019; Not Dead Enough, starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore in 2017; Dead Simple, starring Tina Hobley in 2015 and The Perfect Murder, starring Les Dennis and Claire Goose in 2014.
George Rainsford said: “I can’t wait to be part of a theatre ensemble again and delve into Peter James’ thrilling criminal underworld. Getting to play Roy Grace, his most renowned detective creation, will be a huge honour. I am excited to meet audiences from all over the UK, and share with them some enthralling, edge-of-your-seat entertainment!”
Clive Mantle said: “I’m looking forward to terrifying… I mean entertaining… audiences up and down the length and breadth of Britain with Wish You Were Dead. Full of suspense and drama, there will be many funny moments too during the course of a captivating evening. There’s a clue there for starters. Roll up, roll up, all you amateur sleuths. Can’t wait to see you all.”
Katie McGlynn said: “I can’t think of a better way to make my stage play debut than with this brilliant and thrilling Peter James masterpiece and am so excited to be performing alongside such an incredibly talented cast. I’m really looking forward to visiting theatres all over the country, witnessing the audience reaction to the many twists, turns and edge-of-your-seat moments in the show.”
Writer Peter James said: “I am beyond thrilled with the wonderful star cast that we have assembled forthe world stage premiere of Wish You Were Dead. I love the fact that so many people create their own image of my characters but for me, George and Clive are both inspired interpretations of how I see Roy Grace and Curtis and I am equally thrilled that Leon is returning to play Branson again. It is going to be very exciting to work with this great group of actors and I can’t wait for them to give audiences around the country, a thrilling, fun and hugely entertaining night at the theatre.”
Peter James’ Wish You Were Dead is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 May 2023. Book tickets online or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808.
Images courtesy of Craig Sugden
