Blood Brothers

I first saw “Blood Brothers”, the musical early in the 1990’s.  Since then, it has been on my list of top favourite shows. This production was the first time that I had seen the original play version of this inspired Willy Russell story. Apart from the alternative ending, the dialogue and plot were very similar to the script that I have come to recognise. I consider that the final scene with the death of the two brothers was a dramatic high as the curtains closed slowly and solemnly to bring the action to a gripping ending.

The story Narrator (Jody Bull) was the sombre person who led us convincingly from the beginning, through the superstitions of Mrs Johnston and on to the appalling consequences of her connivance with Mrs Lyons whose desperate desire was to have a child. The two ladies, abandoned and happy-go-lucky Mrs Johnstone (Veryan Jennings) and the calculating and persuasive Mrs Lyons (Natasha Mills) were like chalk and cheese, very well chosen for their acting abilities as the two mothers. The two boys were well cast for their roles of Mickey (Craig Parker) and Eddie (Jay Griffiths). They had the difficult but accomplished job of playing from seven years old (nearly eight!) to adults in their late twenties or early thirties. They had the energy of the young children who could not sit still and were continually rushing around playing games and as the story continued Mickey’s depression and uneventful existence and Eddie’s  privileged life were again portrayed effectively. The two mothers and the two children acted out most of the action of the story and they were very ably complemented by four others - their parts were Linda (Lucy Drive), and cameo characters of Milkman (Gordon Keys), WPC (Claire Mitchell) and Kid (Dominic Webster). The Liverpool accents required by some of the actors were maintained solidly throughout the performance.     

For a comparatively small stage, this company always come up with a well designed set. This production was no different. One side of the stage was the Johnston’s house and on the other side, the Lyons’ room. In front was an extension representing the open fields - was cleverly done. Lighting and sound were executed with expertise. Congratulations to all involved with this play - director, actors, pianist, backstage and production team.

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