Photo Flash: Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore Star in NOT DEAD ENOUGH at The Marlowe Theatre Next Month

SHANE Richie and Laura Whitmore star in Not Dead Enough at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, next month (April).

This is the third stage adaptation of a novel by multi-million-selling author Peter James, and the third novel in his award-winning Roy Grace series. These have been published in 37 languages and sold more than 18 million copies worldwide. Peter's latest novel, Love You Dead, enjoyed three consecutive weeks at number one in the fiction hardback charts (a new record for him). He was the 2016 recipient of crime writing's highest honour, the Diamond Dagger.

On the night Brian Bishop murdered his wife, he was 60 miles away, asleep in bed. At least that's what he claims. But as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (Shane) continues to deal with the mysterious disappearance of his own wife, he starts to dig a little deeper into the chilling murder case and it soon becomes clear that love can be a dangerous thing.

Multi-award-winning actor Shane has played numerous roles on stage and screen and is perhaps best known as Alfie Moon in BBC TV's EastEnders. He will next be seen on screen in his upcoming role in Redwater, a six-part series based on EastEnders' characters Kat and Alfie Moon as they embark on a new life in Ireland.

Shane said of Not Dead Enough: "I was thrilled and honoured to be asked to play one of the most interesting and innovative characters of modern times in policing. I've never read a Peter James book and not been taken on a journey of menace, excitement and a roller coaster of a journey with all the thrills and chills!"

Peter James said: "I'm really delighted Shane is playing the role. Shane is a wonderful actor and I think he has that combination of warmth, toughness and deeply innate compassionate humanity that defines Roy. We first discussed him playing the role three years ago, and I could not be happier it has finally come to fruition, all the more so after his terrific performance as Victor Smiley in the stage adaptation of my novella, The Perfect Murder, last year."

Laura Whitmore's acting career began at a young age with the Leinster School of Music and Drama in Dublin. In the same year that she completed her Diploma in Performance with a special honour for her final performance, she was chosen as the new face of MTV Europe. Laura, who plays Cleo Morley in Not Dead Enough, is best known for her work as a presenter for MTV, The Brits and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Here Now. She took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing .

Not Dead Enough reunites Peter James with theatre producer Joshua Andrews, the Olivier Award-winning director Ian Talbot, and award-winning playwright Shaun McKenna.

Not Dead Enough is at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 April, with performances at 7.30pm and 2.30pm (Thursday and Saturday). Tickets, priced from £19.50 to £34 (concessions available; booking fee applies), are from the Box Office on 01227 787787, and marlowetheatre.com.

Gemma Atkins and Stephen Billington

Gemma Atkins
Gemma Atkins, Laura Whitmore, Shane Richie, and Michael Quartey
Gemma Atkins, Shane Richie, and Michael Quartey
Laura Whitmore and Shane Richie
Laura Whitmore and Shane Richie
Laura Whitmore
Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore

Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore

Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore

Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore
Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore

Not Dead Enough by Peter James Directed by Ian Talbot Starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore