REVIEW: Blood Runs Deep - Epstein Theatre
Blood Runs Deep is a play set in the 1990's written by David Paul and Emma Culshaw. It premiered at Epstein theatre on Tuesday 29th October and plays until Saturday 2nd November. With a cast of only four, this gripping psychological thriller is captivating and intriguing from the outset. The play had a sell-out pilot run at Liverpool's Unity Theatre. Presented by Break A Leg Productions and produced by Bill Elms, the show was apt for the Halloween season.
Emma Vaudrey plays Karen a single mum to Jake played by Brandon McCaffery and in the opening scene we see the pair moving into their new furnished flat on a Northern Council estate. We know that they are on the run again but we do not know the reason why. Mystery and intrigue is built as we the audience realise that Karen is fleeing from her past. We learn that Jake is studying for his A-levels and that he has a keen interest in criminology.
The small details such as the 90's clothing and the music played on the portable sound system help to set the scene and the chilling music that plays at pivotal scenes creates an air of suspense and excitement. We see the depth of Karen and Jake's relationship and see that their bond runs deep as they have relied on each other throughout the nomadic existence that has been a key feature of Jake's life. Once the audience is bought up to speed with this, we are introduced to Greg played by former Blue star Antony Costa. He is not welcomed warmly by Karen and we learn that this is the first time they have seen each other in 19 years.
Without ruining the story, Greg brings haunting news which takes Karen back to the past and reminds her of the reason for being on the run for so long. It becomes apparent that lies, family secrets and deception are the fundamentals to her existence. She drowns her sorrow in alcohol and uses it to numb her pain. The use of lighting and music to illustrate when Karen drifts off into a state of inebriation is particularly clever.
Emma Vaudrey plays the role of Karen very well. You buy into the fact that this is a woman who is doing the best by her son even though her choices are questionable. When you find out the extent of her involvement in the events that lead up to her fleeing her former life, everything becomes clear. As writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul explain:
Antony Costa plays a convincing role as uncle Greg and is exuberant in his delivery, especially during some of the scenes where conflict is high and the scenes become physical. Brandon McCaffery was excellent as Jake and the energy that you witness between him and Alice Merivale as Kate is second to none.
There are two acts to the show and it is gripping throughout. The production is fantastic and the whole cast are to be commended for their delivery. I would definitely recommend this show and would watch it again. It is a thought-provoking show which causes you to ponder and question whether blood runs deep.
Catch it before it ends.
LISTING INFORMATION
BLOOD RUNS DEEP
Date: Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November
Time: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 7:30pm / Thu (Halloween) 6pm & 9pm / Sat Matinee 2:30pm
Tickets: From £15
To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm - 6pm Monday - Saturday.
*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy
For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre
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