Wish You Were Dead At The Curve, Leicester Review

Reviewed by Vickie Njoroge

This stage adaptation of Peter James’ Wish You Were Dead (2021) is set in a chateau or “chambre d’hôte” in France, where visitors stay as the “guests” in the home of the owners and is based loosely on the author’s own holiday memories.

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and wife, Cleo, take their first family holiday together and a well earned break from their crime solving exploits. But their dream escape turns out to be anything but a relaxing family break. Roy, Grace, Kaitlynn and baby Noah arrive after a long and arduous journey, expecting to meet Jack Alexander there.
It is impossible to explain the plot without giving away secrets but, despite numerous positive TripAdvisor reviews of the chateau, the gut feeling of all involved is that something does not feel right at Château-sur-L’Évêque. They decide that, if things haven’t improved by the morning, then they would leave. Well, by the morning everything has changed and there would be no five star reviews from this trip.

The play has a line-up of recognisable faces with George Rainsford of Casualty and Holby City fame playing DSI Roy Grace; Katie McGlynn, perhaps best known as Sinead Tinker from Coronation Street as Chloe Grace; and Clive Mantle, well known for many television roles such as Vicar of Dibley, Casualty and Game of Thrones, playing Curtis.

My other half and I both agreed that the best performance was by Rebecca McKinnis who plays Madame L’Eveque, with a french accent and some great acting, she provided much of the humour, through lines and actions and kept the audience entertained.

The stage was set in a way that reminded me of The Mousetrap. Some cleverly creative set design (Michael Holt – Designer) allowed us to see the entrance room, a bedroom and the attic, all in one view.

Billed as a “dark comedy thriller”, the storyline of the play was, in my opinion, predictable with few surprises and little comedy. There were, however, moments that made me jump and the lady in front of me, thoroughly engrossed in the story, gave a sudden gasp in shock at one point.

Having said this, the play was well-acted and we both enjoyed the entertainment. Our seats were comfortable and the 2 hour performance flew by.

The theatre staff were welcoming and friendly and everything was fully accessible at ground level. We had ordered interval drinks from one of the bars and they were ready and waiting for us come half time.

This was our first visit to The Curve in Leicester and it was easy to get to (following the sat nav), with Rutland Street NCP Car Park on the doorstep Sat Nav postcode: LE1 1TQ. The theatre is situated in the cultural quarter, with a variety of bars and restaurants nearby for those wishing to make an evening of it. It is walking distance from the bus and train station too. With a wealth of plays and performances to choose from, we will definitely return.

Wish You Were Dead
The Curve, Leicester Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB
BOX OFFICE — 0116 242 3595
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/wish-you-were-dead/
Tickets priced from £10 – £31.50 15% off for Members
18th-22nd July 2023 with a matinee performance at 2:15pm on Saturday.
3/5 rating.