BLOOD BROTHERS | STAGE REVIEW
New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 26 Sept
Willy Russell’s play, set in Liverpool, is as powerful today as it was when it was first on stage 34 years ago. The tale of two brothers separated at birth, their tumultuous lives and intertwining tragedies, still resonates and makes for a moving piece of theatre.
The story centres around Mrs Johnstone, left by her husband while pregnant with twins and raising a family of five and her struggles, and her determination to make the best of the situation in which she finds herself. One fateful decision of hers, made at a time of great desperation, brings the story to its shattering climax years later. The cast of Blood Brothers is wonderful: Lyn Paul portrays Mrs Johnstone with compassion and has the play’s most recognised ballads. Tell Me It’s Not True is a heartwrenching part of the story, as is the recurring Marilyn Monroe, used both in tender and comical moments.
The supporting cast deliver believable characters, and there are as many uplifting amusing movements as there are sad and desperate. Sean Jones and Mark Hutchinson play twins Mickey and Eddie, convincing both as youngsters and adults and mirroring each other’s performance.
In essence, Blood Brothers is a simple story of family bonds, love, loyalty and betrayal. All the great stories have the same themes; this is no exception, and the reason it has won so many awards and maintains a steady position at the top of musical theatre’s must-see productions. A genuinely absorbing theatre experience – if you haven’t already seen it, please do.
words ANTONIA LEVAY