BLOOD BROTHERS: Willy Russell.

Tour.

BLOOD BROTHERS
by Willy Russell.

Tour to 6 December 2008.
Runs: 2hr 40min One interval.
Ranjit Khutan: 13 May at Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.

Still circulating vigorously.
“Have you heard the tale of the Johnstone twins?” Sons separated at birth – one goes on living with their working class mother who barely manages to make ends meet, the other is taken by the wealthy Mrs Lyons after she strikes a deal with Mrs Johnstone, her house cleaner. As they grow up the sons become friends – each unaware of the blood relationship between them.

Nothing can keep them apart and we are reminded of the adage that if either of them learns that he was once one of a pair they shall both immediately die. This sets the tone for a drama that includes endearing scenes of young friendships and relationships developing, heart-wrenching scenes depicting economic depression in Liverpool and the demise of relationships that once seemed set to last forever.

Willy Russell’s award winning musical focuses on life choices, the nature versus nurture debate, and the issue of class. Linda Nolan, who was unable to take up the role during the previous run in 2006, gives a powerful, deeply emotional and moving performance as the straight-talking Mrs Johnstone. Nolan’s depiction of a working-class mother from Liverpool, is warming; her singing is flawless.

Sean Jones’s cheeky and streetwise Mickey is a hit with the audience and he receives much adoration from the audience for his antics on stage. As does Simon Willimont in his depiction of the well-to-do educated twin brother Eddie; especially in the scene where the two initiate their friendship and their blood-brother pact.

Russell’s use of verse in the narrator’s dialogue adds a layer of intrigue and reflection. Keith Burns' Narrator keeps the pace ticking along – there’s a lot to cover as we see the boys from birth through to their late teens and then early 20’s. Burns is cool and confident, a powerful singer, though at times the drama becomes too overpowering.

Mrs Johnstone: Linda Nolan.
Narrator: Keith Burns.
Mickey: Sean Jones.
Eddie: Simon Willimont.
Mrs Lyons: Vivienne Carlyle.
Linda: Emma Nowell.
Sammy: Daniel Taylor.
Mr Lyons: Russel-Leighton Dixon.
Policeman/Teacher: Graham Martin.
Donna Marie/Miss Jones: Christina Marley.
Perkins: Paul Davies.
Neighbour: Mark Hammersley.
Brenda: Ashley Morgan.
Bus Conductor: Adam Stevens.

Directors: Bob Tomson, Bill Kenwright.
Designer: Andy Walmsley.
Lighting: Mark Howett.
Sound: Ben Harrison .
Musical director: Rod Edwards.

2008-05-22 02:20:17