Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers is an excellent musical, that is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End. It has been on for many years and hopefully will be around for many years to come. It is probably my most favourite musical ever!!
The show is set in Liverpool, and tells the story of two twins who were separated at birth. Their mother "Mrs Johnstone" gives one twin away to "Mrs Lyons" as she can't afford to keep them both and feels the twin will have a better life with the richer lady. The two twins meet when they are aged seven, make friends and become "Blood Brothers". The first act is brilliant, very funny seeing the actors playing children!! The second act shows the twins as teenagers and how they begin to grow apart. The show ends in tragedy, you will need some tissues!!! It is written brilliantly by Willy Russell (who I think is a genius!!) and the use of supersition is cleverly used. Some of the best songs include: "Easy Terms", "Shoes Upon the Table", "Bright New Day" and the famous "Tell Me It's Not True".
Kiki Dee, Con O'Neill & Robert Locke.
I have seen the show many times and have seen Siobhan McCarthy, Lyn Paul and Bernie Nolan as the lead "Mrs Johnstone", many other actresses have played her such as; Stephanie Lawrence, Babrara Dickson, Kiki Dee, Petula Clark & Helen Reddy.
The last time I saw the show I saw the following
Scott Anson (Narrator), Paul Crosby (Mickey) & Mark Hutchinson (Eddie).
I also saw Bernie Nolan as "Mrs Johnstone" who was fantastic in the role, a great actress and a brilliant singer (former Nolans singer!). You can now see her in the Channel 4 soap - "Brookside".
Paul Crosby, Stephanie Lawrence & Mark Hutchinson.
Stephanie Lawrence as "Mrs Johnstone"
I highly recommend this musical, it is very funny but also very tragic. It may not have the most stunning sets and props but when the story, the songs, the music, and the talented actors are of such a high standard then it doesn't really matter does it?
Pictures are taken from various Blood Brothers programmes and brochures, published in 1988 and 1995.