Blood Brothers

Knowing the musical version of this classic piece by Willy Russell, I was intrigued to see how the play version would pan out. The answer being, no disappointment whatsoever!

First class acting, in a carefully designed setting, with well-planned lighting and projection, provided an evening of entertainment, which, if the lack of sweetie paper rustling and audience members leaving for comfort breaks is anything to go by, was an absolute success!

Now to the cast.   Steve Corrall presented a formidable Narrator whose appearances – especially his silent ones -  must have given a chill to even the most laid back of audience members! His doubling as the Doctor and the Milkman displayed Steve’s ability to apply himself successfully, to completely differing roles.   The twins, Mickey (Jamie Wright) and Edward (Keith Hewitt), together with Mrs Johnston (Lauren Scott) and Mrs Lyons (Jane Thomson) worked as an absolute foursome throughout.  Lauren as the working class, Liverpudlian mother who is forced to give away one of her twins to the upper class Mrs Lyons gave a powerful performance, as did Jane Thomson’s Mrs Lyons, whose demeanour ranged from complete domination of Mrs Johnston to paranoia when she discovered the twins had met again. Mickey and Edward provided flawless acting, ranging from 7 year olds to their untimely deaths in adulthood.   None of the cast exhibited overacting in their roles – none was required. Linda (Helen Whyte) finds both of the twins attracted to her, each in varying degrees of teenage angst. Her scene with Mickey where he threatens to kill her was admirable – you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium, and I’m sure several people forgot to breathe during the short scene! The main characters were ably assisted by Andrew Mackie as the local policeman and the older Johnston Kids (Steph Ferguson, Liny Mullin and Ellie Currie) – minor parts but, nevertheless, forming a big part of the production as a whole.

Congratulations must go to Director Tom Keeble and his Assistant Jennifer Adamson for, first and foremost, understanding the play, a facet which is sadly lacking at times. This, together with exemplary cast handling and motivation, culminated in a piece of drama worthy of the professional stage.

Thankyou Barony Players for the kind hospitality shown to us before and after the performance, and especially for the full tour of your theatre, of which you are obviously, and rightly, proud!

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