Looking Good Dead, Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Michelle

OH WOW!!!

After waiting so, so long to return to the theatre, I was really excited to be reviewing this play.  I am usually a musical fan but this looked really good.  If you are a novel fan, this play is an adaption of a Peter James novel.  We came out feeling overwhelmed with shock, intrigue, suspense and at some points, absolute sheer silence. 

SECRETS AND LIES ALWAYS REAR THEIR UGLY HEADS!

CAST

Adam Woodyat (Ian Beale rom Eastenders) plays the role of Tom Bryce

Great character and somewhat unlucky, including his business (a bit like Ian Beale really).  Great to see some twists and secrets to his character too.

Gaynor Faye (Judy Mallett) from Coronation Street plays the role of Kellie Bryce

Great character and like Tom.  She plays her role well, with some interesting twists and secrets.

Such a contrast from their roles in the soaps and a real breath of fresh air to not just see them play different roles but to also see them live on stage.  It was a completely different feeling to watching them on television.  They really did connect with the audience and their role playing was phenomenal.

Luke Ward-Wilkinson plays the role of Max Bryce, son of Tom and Kellie 

He plays his role brilliantly.  Set in a world of technology, gadgets, and internet, he shows not just the positives of technology and the internet world but also the dangers of it.  His role certainly gets you thinking about how much is out there in the tech world. 

Acknowledgement to Lee Peck who was the understudy for the role of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace

He seemed quite ‘matter of fact’ in his role, if that is the right phrase to use.  Almost like he needed to relax a bit and give his character a bit more clout.  (editor’s note – this is the reviewer’s opinion) Saying that, this was the opening night and the as an understudy, this can be nervous.  He was likeable, charming and a credit to his role, the play and the production company.  

Natalie Boakye plays the role of Janie

She was brilliant and played her role really well.  Her character is short lived (pardon the pun). 

Glenn Branson plays the role of Leon Stewart and Gemma Stoyan plays the role of Bella May

They were both brilliant.  Along with DS Roy Grace who they report to, their characters show how a lot of wit and jokes are used to keep them going in their jobs.  Dry sense of humours and some jokes a little predictable at times but still funny. 

Mylo McDonald plays the role of Mick

Brilliant!  I will leave it there.  He is the older brother of Max, they keep in contact via video chats as he’s away.  

Ian Houghton plays the role of Jonas Kent

His role certainly had some clout and I loved it.  Strong and powerful.  He plays a successful American business man but he is not all that he seems.

OVERVIEW OF THE SHOW

Without giving away too much of the story line, Tom (Adam) and  Keeli (Gaynor) and appear to be the perfect married couple but… they get mixed up in a world of doom and gloom.  In true Ian Beale style, Adams role as Tom is just as unlucky in life. Things are not going particularly well for Tom and Keeli as their business is going under.   

As with all secrets, trying to do the good thing does not always work and they eventually come out and this comes from Tom finding a usb stick on the train coming home from work.  Who knew what was on the USB stick, well, Tom and Max soon find out and it was not pleasant. They become witnesses to a murder in the form of what used to be known as a ‘snuff movie’.  The question is, do they report it to the police or not?  What would you do in Tom’s situation, ignore it, or report it, knowing that if you report it, it may well impose severe consequences? 

THE STAGE AND SETTINGS

This was basic, having said that, it was very effective, from the kitchen, living and police station and even the warehouse which has some activity and cleverly located at the back of the stage using some awesome lighting.  It shows the dark and eerie parts of the play.  Really well thought of.

MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

I have been going to this theatre since it has opened and I love it!  Get there at the right time for a pre-theatre show dinner and you can get parked quite easily.  There is some free parking at certain times, others are chargeable.

The theatre is lovely, very clean and well maintained and great to see so many procedures in place that cater for Covid.  The staff were all wearing masks and were fantastic.  I met S (editor’s note – name removed) before the show who was just lovely and equally was L (editor’s note – name removed).  They both answered all my questions and were more than happy to help.

We were seated in Row L of the stalls, more or less centre of the stage which has a great view overall.  

The theatre is not too big and that is what makes you feel part of the show, especially if you are sat closer to the stage.  The widest part of the front stalls have 34 seats, so a good all round viewing of the stage.

If like me, you like to get up close and personal to the characters, then closer would be better.  I struggled to see the expressions on their faces, my vision does not help either.  

The price of the tickets were £45.00 each which I felt was really good value, would not pay anymore than that though.  They can be brought via the link below:

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/looking-good-dead/milton-keynes-theatre/

WORTH NOTING

Age Recommendation: 13+ (Personally, I would not take a 13 year old as this play contains scenes depicting violence, murder and reference to a paedophile).

Running time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (inc. interval)

Would I recommend it?  Most definitely and it is a 5 out of 5 from me. 

There are many twists, turns and plots and moments where I was on the edge of my seat, even at the end.  Chilling comes to mind, even some giggles and a lot of dry humour.

Rating: 5/5