Since its first appearance last year at Unity theatre, Emma
Culshaw and David Paul’s Story of dark family secrets has undergone a transformation.
In its original version the play began well but, while the
first act set firm foundations, the second half failed to deliver on its
promise of suspense. Substantial re-writes have now given the story some much
needed twists, and audiences can now expect to be kept guessing what will be
revealed right up to the closing pages, and beyond.
Karen lives with her son Jake and, quite early on, we learn the
irony of Jake’s obsession with serial killers. The memory of his father’s
crimes hangs heavily over the family, who have had to keep moving on to escape
their past. Jake’s girlfriend Zoe doesn’t know how much danger she is in as she
encourages him in research that unearths unpleasant truths.
But who is the mysterious and short-tempered Greg, who comes
knocking at the door one Halloween night, and how will his appearance change
their lives?
Karen is played by Emma Vaudrey (AKA Culshaw) and her insider
knowledge of the script may be a double edged sword. She certainly breathes the
character but at times the writerly concealment of her thoughts blurs the
narrative. Two other original cast members, Brandon McCaffery and Alice
Merivale reprise their roles of Jake and Zoe with great conviction, whilst Greg
is played here by Antony Costa. Costa is a powerful figure and brings
considerable weight to the bouts of temper that erupt from his otherwise
avuncular character.
Whilst the story pulls in several directions, director Margaret
Connell succeeds in maintaining both a narrative thread and a good sense of tension,
aided by Peder B Helland’s score.
Blood runs deep is a play that still leaves us with
questions to ask about what really happened, leaving just enough unsaid and
unexplained to keep us on our toes.
Star Rating: Three Stars
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