6 days Ago
After six years on Coronation Street in which he was involved in one of the soap’s most compelling storylines, Peter Ash is now taking to the stage in a thriller which will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Peter is playing master forger David Hegarty in Picture You Dead, the latest of Peter James’ best-selling novels to be turned into a stage play. Peter Ash and Jodie Steele in Picture You Dead (Picture: Alistair Muir) “There are lot of twists and turns and double crossing going on so I think it’s really going to have the audience guessing,” said Peter, who returning to his native Manchester with the production next week as it comes to The Lowry.
“This is definitely a highlight of the tour for me,” said. Peter, who grew up in Moston. “I’ll definitely have a crowd from Corrie coming in and all my family and friends so it’s going to be a really special one being at the Lowry.
“ Peter was last at the theatre around 10 years ago when he was part of the inaugural tour of War Horse. “That was an amazing show to be part of,” he said. “It’s such a beautiful theatre.
” In Picture You Dead a couple pick up a painting at a car boot sale which may be an old master worth millions. They contact Peter’s character to make a copy so that they can hang that on the wall and keep the original in a bank vault. “Let’s just say that some nefarious characters get wind of this whole thing and after that it all gets out of control,” said Peter.
Peter Ash in Picture You Dead (Picture: Alistair Muir) Picture You Dead is the latest Peter James’ novel featuring the character Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, played by George Rainsford, to become a stage production. “These shows are so successful now,” said Peter. “I’ve been told that it’s the most successful crime franchise since Agatha Christie so audiences clearly love them “I’m really excited to be part of it.
” Picture You Dead comes to The Lowry as part of its first UK tour. “That’s what makes it more exciting, that no-one has seen it before or has played the characters before,” said Peter. “I haven’t read the book yet but I know people who have and when they describe it, it does seem as though there are quite a few differences between the play and the book.
“Obviously the main difference is that you’ll have a live audience responding to all that’s going on. “As much as I loved filming for telly, it is a completely different beast really. There is nothing better than having a live audience right there in front of you.
You can feel their excitement which is really something else. It’s great to be treading the boards again. “There’s nothing like it; going to a live show and getting enveloped into this world with these different characters.
” Picture You Dead is Peter’s first major role since leaving Coronation Street last year. He played Paul Foreman in the top TV soap for six years. “Originally my character was just a three episode part as David Platt’s cellmate,” he said.
“They must have seen something they liked and brought me back as Gemma’s twin and Billy’s love interest so it was way beyond anything I ever expected.” Peter won a National Television Award in 2020 as best newcomer and his final storyline, in which Paul Foreman was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, won plaudits for the sensitive way in which it tackled the issue. “With any real world issue which people struggle to live you with you want to portray it as truthfully as you can.
I was very lucky as the writers were amazing and I had constant help from Motor Neurone Disease Association. “It was such a privilege to be involved in that storyline and be able to raise awareness for MND.” Peter Ash (Picture: Craig Sugden) After leaving Weatherfield, Peter returned to the theatre at Christmas playing Abanazar in Aladdin at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall.
“I had the time of my life,” he said. “I did many amateur pantos as a child but this was the first professional one I’d been involved in and I had so much fun.” Now with Picture You Dead, Peter’s on a major UK tour.
“This is altogether different,” he said. “A production like this is a different way of working from being on Coronation Street. “Here we get to tell this story from beginning to end every night.
That’s very different from Corrie where the storyline is constantly changing. You have got to learn things, film them then forget them and learn a whole bunch of new things for the next day. “With this you can really get in depth with it and find some nice detail.
“TV can be filmed completely out of order whereas you know where you are going with this one.” Playing an art forger, loosely based on real-life artist David Henty, would Peter’s artistic skill be up to scratch for the role in real life? “I used to love drawing as a kid but stick men would probably be my limit, maybe a Lowry could be doable in that case,” he laughed. Peter had this message for anyone thinking of coming along to see the thriller next week.
“It completely stands alone,” he said. “You don’t have to have read any of the books or seen the TV show or even know Peter James’ work. Just rock up and follow the story; it’s got a little something for everyone.
” Picture You Dead is at The Lowry, Salford, from Wednesday, April 16 to Saturday, April 19. Details from www.thelowry.
com.
