FIENDISHLY clever crime fiction is set for Southampton next year.

Following the critically acclaimed hit premiere stage production of Peter James’ The Perfect Murder, an adaptation of his most famous and popular book is destined for the stage of the Mayflower Theatre as part of its UK tour.

Dead Simple follows Michael Harrison, who has it all – a great career, good friends and a beautiful fiancée, but when his stag night prank goes horribly wrong he finds himself alone, buried alive and staring death in the face.

As time runs out and the terror grows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace tries to solve his mysterious disappearance but begins to fear that Michael will never be found in time.

Directed by Olivier-award-winner Ian Talbot and adapted by Shaun McKenna it is billed as a gripping, chilling and intense thriller with all the twists and turns of a best-selling Peter James tale.

The novelist has had numerous number one best-sellers internationally and has sold over 14 million copies of his Roy Grace series in 36 languages.

He said: “I had myself locked in a coffin for 30 minutes as part of my research and it was one of the scariest moments of my life. It’s so many people’s worst nightmare to be buried alive and I’m looking forward to recreating some of that terror in the theatres soon.”

Dead Simple arrives at The Mayflower from April 28 until May 2. Tickets range from £18.50 to £33 and are now on sale. To book go to mayflower.org.uk.