Theatre Review: Blood Brothers at Bristol Hippodrome

Wednesday 28th April 2010

This is a Crackerjack review of Blood Brothers. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 8 / 10.

Anyone who thinks that after twenty five years Willy Russell's hard hitting musical is running out of steam would have changed their minds if they had been outside the theatre watching the audience gathering for the performance.

A whole new generation of young people have joined the ranks of the tried and tested loyal audience who have supported the show over the last quarter of a century.

Producer Bill Kenwright is obviously well aware of this new addition to his audience and each time the production reappears fresh blood has been added to the cast helping the show to come over as fresh and exciting as it did when brand new.

One thing that does not change is the commitment of the performers who play the characters with complete belief. Former 'New Seeker' Lyn Paul has been associated with the role of Mrs Johnstone for over 10 years but she still vividly brings the anguish of this impoverished mother forced to give away one of her twin boys in order to retain her other seven children. 

Tracy Spencer's finely neurotic Mrs Lyons, the lady who brings up one of the twins as her own son, underlined the contrast in life styles and living opportunities that Willy Russell is so keen to demonstrate throughout.

As the two boys Mickey and Edward, Sean Jones and Paul Davies followed this theme through powerfully showing how their positions in life determined, more than their ability, how their lives would pan out.

Matching them every step of the way was Kelly-Anne Gower as Linda, the girl whose life is completely intertwined with this tragic pair.

Strong performances also from Daniel Taylor as Mickey's disturbed older brother Sammy and Robbie Scotcher who leads us clearly through this tragic tale as the Narrator.

The music which is such an intricate part of the story was safe in the hands of MD Kelvin Towse and his musicians, and the dramatic storyline was enhanced all the way by some excellent work by the lighting crew.
 

Gerry Parker

This is a Crackerjack review of Blood Brothers. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.