Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Cast: Owen Teale, Oliver Ryan, Richard Corgan, Elen Rhys, Pooky Quesnel, Amy Morgan, Sian Rees-Williams.
It is an inalienable fact of life that there are people in this world to whom they believe the sun revolves around them, but who are so toxic, certainly narcissistic, enough to ensure that their actions not only elevate themselves in the eyes of their neighbours and fellow townsfolk, but are assured enough in their desires to make sure that their offspring are denigrated, caused undue suffering, and in the end could pay for their parent’s deceptions with their own lives.
Philip Palmer’s Welsh Noir thriller, Precious Blood, reveals the consequences of jealousy when displayed by a person whose standing is largely self-promoted, when their influence is such that, they abuse their charm to the point where they can almost be seen to be indestructible, causing even someone to be killed because of lies, slanders, and smears.
We idolise, even lionise the small towns and villages that make up the ideal of the community spirit, and then we wonder why the sense of horrific that flows from behind closed doors can disturb us in such a way that an inner-city killing will leave us undaunted, tutting softly behind accusing stares. It is into this darkness of illumination that the secrets are unearthed as revered choirmaster, Ifor Hopkins, is found dead, and the man who disgraced him, his son Michael, returns for his funeral.
Such is the writing of Philip Palmer that he brings a deep sorrow to the world he has created, and it is one that emulates in many ways the brilliance of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milkwood, for it is the collective voice that resounds fully in this dramatic audio drama, and one lead by the ever gracious Owen Teale in the role of Ifor, and the pleasing inclusion of Pooky Quesnel as Detective Superintendent Sanderson, and which grabs the attention of the listener fully across three engrossing episodes.
The listener will be engrossed as the case is unveiled, as the deceit, as the air of genuine creepiness fills the air, an aura of the sinister rank of the vein and the vanity become evident and the futility of innocence becomes clear as the death count rises.
A challenging, chilling drama, one that haunts even the most open of minds.
Ian D. Hall