A dead simple way to carry out a murder at a theatre

A crime drama with an all-star cast will be performed at Milton Keynes Theatre next week.
Jamie Lomas in Dead SimpleJamie Lomas in Dead Simple
Jamie Lomas in Dead Simple

Dead Simple features Michael Harrison who thinks he has it all; great career, good friends and a beautiful fiancée.

But when his stag night prank goes horribly wrong, Michael finds himself alone and staring death in the face.

As time runs out and the terror grows, there is a race against the clock as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace begins to fear that Michael will never be found in time.

Former Holby City actress Tina Hobley is among the cast for the show.

She said: “She’s a fantastic character to play. She goes on a real journey and that is something I very much look for in a script.

“There is so many different facets to her character which is great for me as an actress.”

While she was aware of Peter James, who wrote the original book, before the show, she’s become obsessed since taking on the role.

Tina added: “My father has read a lot of his books and when I read the script, I couldn’t put it down.

“I have since read a lot of his books and now he is the first choice of author to pick up if I am going on holiday.”

It is also a welcome return to the stage for Tina.

She said: “It is the first time in a long time that I have done a play. I did one at the Old Vic in London 18 months ago but before that it was 20 years.

“That spell made me realise that I wanted to get back out and perform in front of a live audience rather than being in front of a camera.

“I initially agreed to do nine weeks and will have done 23 weeks.

“The reviews we have been getting have been absolutely fantastic. A lot of the reviews have said they thought they worked out but actually no one has while they are watching the show.”

Tina is probably best known for her role as Chrissie Williams in Holby City.

She said: “I had a great time on the show, everyone was amazing. I am really glad they haven’t killed me off so there is the option to return. Maybe not straight away but in the future.

“At the moment I am looking at a couple of period pieces. Not necessarily something like Downton Abbey but something set in the 70s.

“I would also like to do more television work but we shall see what happens.”

Dead Simple can be seen at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday, June 8, to Saturday, June 13. Tickets for the show can be booked by calling the box office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.