Blood Brothers

The dramatic version (as opposed to the musical) version of Willy Russell’s classic tale of twins separated at birth. Their contrasting upbringing and the hand fate deals them is fast-moving, perceptive and ultimately tragic. It is a real roller coaster of emotion that grips hold and shakes you – if done well – and this production was done very well indeed.

Poulton Drama were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to take this production to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre and it was more than worthy of the distinction – this show would not have been out of place on the West End stage.

The acting throughout was simply superb – one of the most difficult things to do on stage is to have an adult playing a seven (almost eight) year old on stage without looking faintly ridiculous. Poulton Drama managed this – times two – Mickey and Edward were totally believable right through, from child to adult, and the antics as ‘children’ were so funny and so well observed and totally believable – very well done – a real pleasure to watch.

It does seems a shame to single out just two of the cast – every single person on that stage was quite superb.

That said – a word must go to the ‘backstage staff’ – who worked quietly and very efficiently moving scenery and props on and off stage. I use the term ‘stage’ very loosely as this was performed mainly on the floor with some mime and silent action taking place on the stage behind a gauze.

The only thing that marred it on a very personal note, was the ending – which is such a tear- jerker and the cast- having worked so hard and to such great purpose - had the whole audience in the palm of their hand – you could have heard a pin drop – then a chorus of young people came on. They sang ‘He Ain’t Heavy……’ and performed it extremely well, but for me it quite ruined the moment.

This really was quite a superb show and my heartiest congratulations go to every single person connected with it. Thank you SO much for the invitation, for the very warm welcome and especially for a simply superb evening of pure theatre – Thank you!

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