Reviewed by Jayne Knight
So, did y’hear the story of the Johnstone twins? As like each other as two new pins.
Opening night at Derby Theatre saw the story of the Johnstone family unfold with a cast that has been together since August. A powerful performance with the well-known lyrics, ‘Tell me it’s not True, that had the audience on its feet at the final curtain; a worthy standing ovation.
Blood Brothers, written by Willy Russell is a story that raises the issues of nature vs nurture. It shows how twins Mickey and Eddie’s lives are inextricably linked despite very different upbringing. Set in the 1960’s Liverpool, the story shows the deprivation afforded to some families whilst others appear, on the face of it, to have everything.
Mrs. Johnstone (Lyn Paul) a lady of the Catholic faith has a large family, so when her husband leaves it is up to her to provide single handed. When she finally gets a job, cleaning in a private house, she thinks all of her troubles are ended, yet in some ways they are just beginning as her superstitions prove to be coming true. The decisions that she makes, along with her employer, Mrs. Lyons (Chloe Taylor) are to bind their families together, forever.
Lyn Paul is superb singer and character actress, bringing passion for her family to the role, as she fights with the consequences of her decisions; her regrets and her lies. She opens with, ‘Marylin Monroe’, which outlines her life up to that moment in time.
Chloe Taylor shows how every mother wishes to bring up her child, in a safe secure environment, but when this is shaken she does all that is necessary to rebalance their lives. Her emotional performance is highly charged with instincts that many of the audience can relate to, as they protect their young.
Brothers, Mickey (Alexander Patmore) and Eddie (played by understudy Shaun McCourt) show how the lives of children cannot necessarily be dictated by their parents. As is the way with children, they do not see where this may lead and they become ‘Blood Brothers’. When a gift to Eddie is discovered, his words, “Everyone has secrets,” resonates with family members, a fact that is not lost on the audience.
Alexander Patmore shows his skills in his behaviour of an 8-year-old streetwise, cheeky kid transitioning through his teens, marriage and depression, bringing with the role a level of grief and angst as he struggles to come to terms with what his life has become. A powerful performance.
Shaun McCourt was the perfect foil. Eddie’s well-spoken accent highlights the scouse of Mickey and the differences in their lifestyles. With the chance to play one of the lead roles on opening night saw a self-assured performance that was given the respect it commanded at the final curtain.
Linda (Danielle Corlass) grows from a child to an adult with problems to be overcome. She plays some heart-wrenching and difficult scenes between the two brothers, which leaves you feeling for her and the situation in which she has become entangled. As much as she has always been in the gang it is through her actions of being friends with two brothers that brings about the conclusion to the story; the knowledge that this is through her actions is etched in pain on her face
Robbie Scotcher, as the Narrator could be described as ‘the conscience’. Ever present on stage he makes regular reference to the superstition of “shoes upon the table” holding the story together, linking scenes and events. He melts into the shadows, being unobtrusive, yet an integral part of the story appearing in the foreground at strategic times.
Supporting cast of Daniel Taylor, Tim Churchill, Graham Martin, Gemma Brodick, Connor Bannister, Hannah Barr and Graeme Kinniburgh all play their parts in the story with ease as they add to the humour and tension as the story unfolds.
Blood Brothers is playing at the Derby Theatre until 19th October before continuing its tour.
A wonderful performance.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £20 (booking fees may apply).
Blood Brothers is at Derby Theatre from 14-19 October 2019, for more information or book tickets visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01332 593939.
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF | 01332 593939
