Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers At Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Maddie Reynolds
This has to be one of my favourite shows, I first saw this show as a teen and it was one of the most moving shows I have seen to date. I have seen this show five times before therefore, my daughter has been listening to the soundtrack for the last few years and now she is at an age where she is able to understand and appreciate the storyline. The Lighthouse Poole is very local to me so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see it again, we were sat in the stalls and had a great view from our seats.
Will Russel’s Blood Brothers has become a classic, it was first performed at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983 before heading to the West End for a limited run in the same year. It then returned to the stage in 1988 for a record- breaking 24-year run. It closed in 2012 after more than 10,000 performances, making the 3rd longest running west end show in history.
Blood Brother’s tells the story of Mickey and Edward separated at birth. Whilst Edward grows up with a privileged background, Mickey grows up in Poverty. They meet as children when out to play one day and discover they were born on the same day. Thinking no more of it and becoming the best of friends. As time goes on and they move into adulthood things take a turn.
The story starts in the 1980s with Mrs Johnson played by Vivienne Carlyle singing a sensational and chilling overture over Mickey and Edward’s bodies. We are then transported back to 1950 where the Narrator played by Kristofer Harding begins the tale of two Brothers who became friends not knowing they are related, the story then unfolds on how it became a tragic day.
The show starts and we meet Mrs Johnson who is living in the slums of Liverpool, she isn’t happy with her life and is looking back on old times, when she was happier. She does this though the Song Marilyn Monroe, she is then single and about to become a mother once again. She accepts a job for Jennifer and Richard Lyons it is then that the unexpected turn takes place and Jennifer who is unable to have children begs her to give up one of her twins and to swear never to talk about it again.
The set is cleverly used with houses on either side of the stage and different backdrops for the various places used to give the effect needed.
Every time I have seen this show the Narrator has moved me with their chilling and ever so powerful voice and Kristofer Harding did not disappoint. His version of events whilst singing Gypsies in the wood gave a dramatic suspense to the show each time he sung it.
Mickey played by Sean Jones brought his character to life alongside Eddie played by Joe Sleight, both characters with different personalities bounced off each other well.
Gemma Brodrick – Linda their friend also was brilliantly cast and she too added to the atmosphere and fun comical role.
My favourite numbers have to be Oh Bright New Day as Mrs Johnson and her family sing and dance around the stage excited for their new life to begin and Tell Me It’s Not True. Vivienne Carlyle portrayed Mrs Johnson with stunning vocals throughout, during this number the build up as it got more intense and then the whole cast joined in, brought the audience to tears as it was so moving.
The cast were outstanding and all complimented each other well and deserved their standing ovation after they finished with the final number.
Rating: 5/5 its outstanding
Blood Brother is showing at the Lighthouse from Tuesday 7th October until Saturday 11th October, tickets start from £24:50 the most expensive being £49:50 and is currently on tour again across the UK and is a show not to be missed.
Running time is 2hrs 45mins and includes an interval. Age recommendation is 12+
Tickets can be booked here www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or by calling the box office 01202 280000
Full tour information can be found here https://musicalsontour.co.uk/blood-brothers-tour/