The ‘police procedural’ TV drama has, in the last few decades, become something of a fallback for those in the industry; the schedules are overloaded with them. Stage versions of the genre are, however, rare.

Peter James’ full-length novels (adapted on TV as ‘Grace’) about Detective Superintendent Roy Grace all contain the word ‘Dead’ in the title - so you know where you are.

Almost written as a TV script, this is a challenge for director and actors alike. Thankfully, in the expert hands of Jason Marc-Williams, we have a gripping, fast-paced and excellently performed thriller.

The cast throw themselves into this hard-hitting tale of violent rape and murder with energy and, at times, with a certain amount of tongue firmly in cheek. Eoin Lynch is the driving force of the plot as DS Grace and his authority gives the script substance and impact; it is a necessarily strong and impressive performance. Matthew Hartley slips into the sidekick role of DS Branson with ease; bringing out any ounce of humour he can, and Emily Outred is efficiency personified as DS Moy – a cracking team.

Heather Wilkins is really excellent as the no-nonsense, tough talking mortuary technician, Cleo Morey - who just happens to be having a relationship with Grace – and Molly Stewart also impresses as Morey’s less experienced assistant; the pair have to run the gamut of emotions and do so to great effect. As the ‘accused’, Brian Bishop, Jeremy Todd offers an enormous range of acting skills; a consummate and convincing performance. Katherine Dodds is wonderfully abrupt as a solicitor and Sam McInnerny an effective and rather mysterious pathologist.

The multi-location set is brilliantly designed by Andrew Beckett – cold, clinical rooms which give the whole production something of a documentary-style look. Marc-Williams knows exactly where to pump up the tension which draws the audience closer and closer to the edge of their seats. The lighting and sound cues are expertly handled by Daniel Saint with spot-on precision. A shout out too for Freya Bramble who gathers a very interesting list of props together.

Another excellent entry into the 2023 line-up; a play with thrills and more twists and turns than a corkscrew.

The next play is the thriller, ‘The Mating Game’, by Robin Hawdon which runs from 28 August until 2 September; tickets are available at www.manorpavilion.com