Bad Blood: 20 Years Later follows on from Bad Blood staged last year, written and directed by Bernie Winston. The play was inspired by Winston’s old best friend and their connection, and after winning awards for part one last year I was interested to see this play.
Matt (Mike San) has already battled with leukaemia twenty years ago, and it was a bone marrow transplant from his father that saved his life. He has lived a normal life until now, playing pool with his mate Eddie (Paul Carroll) enjoying banter as they play. But Matt has been feeling unwell recently, and he fears the cancer may have returned. The play follows Matt’s journey as he seeks a diagnosis, and it highlights the importance of bonds developed through friendship, and their importance when times are hard.
Matt’s realisation that his life may never be the same again hits him hard, and this is realistically played out by San. The cold delivery of his news in hospital by the doctor (Sheila Samuels) strikes a contrast with the care that is shown by his close friends Eddie and his partner Nicki (Kate Harcus). Another section of the play with the guest house owner shows a similar situation, a disparity between the way that Matt’s friends show care and the cold shoulder from their host helps to highlight his friends’ love and loyalty.
The writer has created dark and light in the depth of the writing, the friendly teasing that goes on between Eddie and Matt, and Eddie and Nicki shows a depth of understanding, as they know each other so well that they know they don’t mean any harm. It is a way of showing connection, whereas from a stranger it just lands as being cold and heartless.
Carroll plays Eddie as not quite being able to believe that his best mate may no longer be there for him to shoot pool with. He wants to squeeze every last moment out of their friendship. Nicki meanwhile has her own things to worry about, and sees Matt’s struggles, but is realistic when considering how Eddie is coping with the situation.
This is a heart-warming play with lots of funny moments and showcases the human ability to find love and friendship and to treasure it. The writing is realistic and whilst being sentimental, it never over plays it. Winston, as writer and director has teased out the fun within the script, a type of gallows humour which is funny whilst also communicating important facts and moving the storyline along. The storyline never stalled and was evenly paced throughout.
I was very impressed with the writing, and the performances from the ensemble. This was a one-night only event but look out for this play if it comes around again – I wish that I had seen Bad Blood part one, maybe that will also come around again soon!
To catch more shows from Studio Beyond during the Liverpool Fringe Festival, go to – https://shows.thestudiobeyond.co.uk/shows/
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 13th October 2026
Theatre Muse UK Rating: ****
