Hi Jodie, thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into acting?

Heyyy, I’m Jodie Steele and I am currently playing Roberta Kilgore (also known as Bobbie ;)) in the Peter James play ‘Picture You Dead’! 

I’ve always loved to act, for as long as I can remember. I went to Stagecoach as a kid and then took performing arts subjects at college, I then went to drama school at GSA - it’s always been my dream :)

You're currently playing Roberta Kilgore in the UK tour of Picture You Dead. Can you tell us about the story and the character you play?

So, Roberta Kilgore is an American, well trained, criminal who works for the very eccentric and devious ’Stuart Piper’. Question is - who’s the bigger criminal?!

The story is about a very loveable, normal couple who stumble across a painting that may or may not be worth millions of pounds. However, with this discovery comes an array of unexpected characters that would like a piece of the painting's fortune for themselves.

Picture You Dead is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Peter James. How much research did you do into your character and studying the book when you were offered the role?

When I got the audition the first person I called was my sister - she has every single Peter James book ever! She was so thrilled when I got the job! I asked her all about the style of his writing and what a Peter James fan would expect from one of his infamous ‘baddies’. It was a huge help. I then watched some of the Roy Grace TV series and delved into passages of his books! 

I haven’t read ‘Picture You Dead’ yet - I’m waiting until I finish the contract - for a reason! Haha.

From Six, to Heathers, to Wicked, to Bonnie & Clyde, you're always at the heart of shows with a cult following. Is there a role or genre you've not yet tackled that you'd love to take on?

I would love to play a Kilgore type role in a TV drama or series - it’s my dream!!! I love the rawness and detail that is caught on camera. I feel the nuances of becoming the character in its entirety come to life with the closeness of screen. Although, nothing will ever give me the excitement that live theatre does! Theatre and TV are entirely different art forms and I love both for many different reasons. 

My blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why?

I would loveee Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes to be adapted into a play - it would be an incredible female driven story to see on stage - well, stories. It’s about three women in complicated stages of their lives and how they are all searching for happiness but end up discovering things about themselves and their lives that change their outlook on life as a whole.

Also, P.S I Love You by Cecelia Ahern - WHEN IS THAT GOING TO BE A MUSICAL, PLEASE?! They’d have to sell packets of tissues at the door, people would be weeping!! 

And finally, why should people book tickets to Picture You Dead?

Picture You Dead is an incredible play- there are so many twists and turns and I truly do believe once you’ve left the theatre you’ll be discussing for hours who did what and at what point! It’s like a TV drama live on stage right before your very eyes - who doesn’t love that?! It’s, of course, perfect for Peter James fans but also for those who have never even read one of his books! You’ll be shocked and you’ll be laughing and you’ll probably think my character is nuts by the end, haha!

You can book tickets to Picture You Dead at New Victoria Theatre Woking from Tuesday 18 February, through to Saturday 22 February.

For further UK tour dates through to July, please see peterjames.com

**photo credit: Alistair Muir**