Reviewed by Louise Edwards
Theatre goers in Nottingham are treated to the legendary musical Blood Brothers, on its 30th Anniversary tour of the UK, this week as it is performed at the Theatre Royal until 25 November. Written by Willy Russell and set in 1960s post-war Liverpool, the first scene is atmospheric and moving as we see two bodies taken away by the police as the narrator, played with menace and doom by Dean Chisnall, introduces the story and creates a sense of foreboding and darkness that he carries through the whole of the drama.
Lyn Paul takes the leading role of Mrs Johnstone, struggling mum to 7. Paul, has played this part on and off for the last 20 years and has an incredible track record of musical accomplishments stretching back from being part of the New Seekers in the 1970s. She really makes this role her own in a stunning performance. As her husband leaves her, for a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, she takes a job cleaning for a rich couple who can’t have their own children. On discovering she is pregnant again – this time with twins – and with social services breathing down her neck and money very tight, she reluctantly agrees to give one of the twins away to her boss, played by Sarah Jane Buckley, in the hope he will have a better life.
The twin boys – Mickey played by Sean Jones and Eddie, played by Mark Hutchinson, grow up on very different sides of the track but fate collides as their lives are brought together on many occasions, despite their mothers trying to keep them apart for fear of them finding out the truth. As Mickey struggles in a factory job and is tempted into a life of crime, we see Eddie go off university and the two mix in completely opposite circles. The one person who brings them together is childhood sweetheart, Linda (played brilliantly by Danielle Corlass) creating the eternal love triangle.
Although this play has been running for 30 years it touches on timeless themes – a mother’s unconditional love, class struggles, childhood friendships, mental health issues and ultimately how the truth always comes out. It is definitely a story of its time yet doesn’t feel dated and has a classic score of musical favourites including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the wonderful hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
There are incredible performances from all of the cast and in an emotionally charged finale which is both powerful and shocking we see why Blood Brothers has been affectionally dubbed the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’.
Don’t miss it!!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £16 to £42.50 (booking fees may apply).
Blood Brothers is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from 21-25 November 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND | 0115 989 5555
