Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers
Posted by animefan on Mon, 30 Nov 2009.
Cast includes: Lyn Paul, Robbie Scotcher, Sean Jones, Simon Willmont, Paula Tappenden, Anna Sambrooks, Daniel Taylor, Tim Churchill, Graham Martin, Polli Redston, Paul Davies, David Cooper, Olivia Sloyan and Graeme Kinniburgh.
Book, Music and Lyrics by: Willy Russell
Directed by: Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright
Set in 1980’s Liverpool, Blood Brothers evidently shows the cruel divide between the wealthy and the poor and the horrid supernatural to combine into a heart breaking tragedy. It tells the story of two male twins who were separated at birth due to a mother’s financial struggle, who had to swear an oath to give up one of the twins to a rich woman. However the arising theme of superstition within the play causes the women to become extremely cautious of what could happen. Blood Brothers follows the tale of the twin’s upbringing and their interaction between one another; without even being aware of each other’s existence.
The cast were fantastic in both performing and singing, particularly the twins who acted humorously as inquisitive children and rebellious teenagers and powerful as matured adults. The play is divided into two exciting acts with a well written score and amazing songs to develop the understanding of the characters in Blood Brothers. The setting and lighting was fantastic with realistic sound effects to heighten the tension in the audience. However, I thought that the very final scene of Blood Brothers was the most breath taking and tear jerking as the whole cast sang whole heartedly “Tell Me It’s Not True.”
Blood Brothers is a truly fascinating play that caused every single person to stand up in a overwhelming applause. It is definitely true what the News of the World reported: “Devastating. A masterpiece. If you haven't seen it, go. If you have, go again!” This review was written after my second time of seeing Blood Brothers and it was as outstanding as the first time I saw it. A real tear jerker and moving play, Blood Brothers is a definite must-see.