Bad Blood

Richard Stockwell’s ‘Bad Blood’ is a thriller that keeps the audience guessing. Tom and Vic have everything money can buy except for a longed for child. Their marriage is rocky and a heated argument prompts her departure from the marital home. Tom’s past catches up with him when he learns that Catherine, his girlfriend from years ago, did not have the abortion he paid for. Enter Belinda, claiming to be his daughter, accompanied by her scruffy boyfriend, Smokey. Lurking in the background is Jack, Tom’s trusted, long standing solicitor friend. Tom thus finally becomes a father but having gained a daughter then loses his wife who is fatally wounded by a gun fired by Jack. Tom’s life becomes more and more complicated as the plan concocted by Jack, Belinda and Smokey unfolds.  The plot reveals a chain of terrifying events including deception, subterfuge, murder and a bitter, ironic final tragic twist at the denouement.

The rapport between husband and wife in the opening scene was creditable, particularly as the argument progressed. Whilst she initially appeared to be something of a harridan her sense of frustration at her less than attentive husband and the undercurrents around the issue of the lack of a child were convincingly executed. The argument built up to a climax and was believable throughout. The audience was left unable to choose who deserved sympathy. This was a good opening.

All characters were multi-faceted and full credit should be given to the cast in their ability to display the various mixed emotions and flaws to bring their characters to life. Kevin Wilson was particularly convincing as he demonstrated Tom’s emotions which transported him from his initial mildness through disbelief, anger, cynicism and even licentiousness. This resulted in the audience simultaneously sympathising and disliking him.  The latter applied particularly in his overtures to Sarah Kellett (Belinda). There were gasps from the audience at the suggestion of incest. Kevin should also be commended on his portrayal of an inebriate.

The pace was good throughout and all physical scenes were competently carried out with conviction by all cast members.

There were also some comic moments and Sarah Kellett delivered a memorable line with perfect timing in response to Tom’s advances with “Are you trying to get the full set?” after his confession of having slept with both Catherine and her mother!

Congratulations to Director, Dinah Bowman and her cast and crew for an excellent production.

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