Gaynor Faye, Luke Ward-Wilkinson, Leon Stewart & Adam Woodyatt in LOOKING GOOD DEAD Photo: Alastair Muir
Peter James’ LOOKING GOOD DEAD carefully balances humour with plenty of chilling scenes, despite its increasingly complex plot and light-hearted delivery
Following the stage success of THE PERFECT MURDER and DEAD SIMPLE, the world premiere of Peter James’ LOOKING GOOD DEAD heads to The Lowry this week, starring EastEnders icon Adam Woodyatt and award-winning actor Gaynor Faye.
Based on James’ best-selling 2006 novel, LOOKING GOOD DEAD follows Tom Bryce (Adam Woodyatt), who finds a discarded USB memory stick left behind on a train seat. Tom brings the USB stick home to return it to its owner, but upon opening it, inadvertently becomes a witness to a vicious murder. Reporting the crime to the police has disastrous consequences, placing him and his family in grave danger.
Gaynor Faye as Kellie Bryce in LOOKING GOOD DEAD. Photo: Alastair Muir
Those familiar with James’ previous work will know that the writer is famed for his shocking plot-within-the-plot narratives, and LOOKING GOOD DEAD is no exception. Shaun McKenna’s faithful adaptation carefully balances humour with plenty of chilling scenes, even if some of the lines fall a little flat.
Director Jonathan O’Boyle keeps the action rolling along at a sharp but manageable pace, making good use of Michael Holt’s slick, spilt level set. Jason Taylor’s lighting and Max Pappenheim’s sound design also impress, adding to the suspenseful atmosphere of the piece. A large piece of the action is played out via laptop video footage and mobile calls, which are played out live behind the main action, allowing the audience to see the drama unfold simultaneously as the characters.
In the lead roles, Adam Woodyatt and Gaynor Faye deliver engaging performances of the formerly well-off couple now on the verge of financial collapse. Their tempestuous home dynamic creates a constant unease, which helps keep the tension high. Luke Ward-Wilkinson also does well as their 17-year-old son Max, but at a real-life 28 years, at times, detracts from the legitimacy of the family setup.
Adam Woodyatt and Gaynor Faye in LOOKING GOOD DEAD. Photo: Alastair Muir
Elsewhere, Harry Long as Roy Grace shares short, snappy scenes with fellow officers Glenn Branson (Leon Stewart) and Bella Moy (Gemma Stroyan), but fans of the book may be disappointed by the lack of key personality attributes that made his character so memorable in the books.
The same can be said for parts of the plot that don’t translate well on stage. This is a story that relies on complex software and technology being used to disruptive effect. Yet, as the plot unfolds, the genius of one tactic is buried underneath another, leading to an increasingly complex series of events that feel more and more improbable.
That said, the surprise twist at the end is delightfully unexpected, throwing the whole story into turmoil and eliciting gasps from the audience. LOOKING GOOD DEAD feels a little more light-hearted than a serious thriller, but its handful of edgy and suspenseful scenes is more than enough to keep you entertained.
Peter James’ LOOKING GOOD DEAD runs at The Lowry, Salford, until 22 January 2022.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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