Yes, but will I like it?

Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre

What's it like?

Willy Russell's story about what happens when a single mother bears children that she can't afford to keep - the repercussions & class issues follow the family throughout their life.

What's it about?

Set in Liverpool, twin boys Eddie & Mickey are separated at birth when their single mother can't take care of both, on top of her other seven young kids. Eddie grows up in a big house on the hill, whereas Mickey's life is spent on a much poorer housing estate with his good-for-nothing brother Sammy. Yet, despite this, the boys meet when they're seven (or 'almost eight' as they keep reminding us), become instant friends and decide to become 'Blood Brothers'. Neither mother approves of the friendship and Eddie finds himself moved to the country (away from those who he should not be mixing with), leaving his brother Mickey behind. Yet destiny prevails as Mickey's family is re-housed in the country and the boys meet again at 15 and spend the important part of growing up together. Tragedy strikes later in life as the differences of class are apparent in their adult world of work and personal life. And yes... a woman is sadly a star in the brothers' feud.

Who's in it?

The mother - Maureen Nolan is of The Nolan Sisters' fame. The rest of the cast isn't necessarily well known but this musical is sure to catapult them. Mark Hutchinsons' 'Eddie' is fabulously posh and prim and Richard Munday's 'Mickey' is the classic naughty schoolboy who 'corrupts' Eddie. The three are clear stars of this production.

Who'd enjoy it?

Anyone who enjoys a good family drama will love it, as will 'class issues' enthusiasts. It's a powerful production packed with tons of humour, action and gut-wrenching emotion.

What should I look for?

All the children in the show are played by adult actors which adds a fantastic sense of humour to the production - who doesn't want to see a grown man rolling on the floor with a toy gun or spitting from a distance?

Class is a theme that's referred to throughout the show with visible tension between Mrs Lyons & Mrs Johnstone and segregation between where their kids should be playing. It also shows what life each twin can have depending on the wealth of the family he lives with - a question for the nature/nurture debate?

Mrs Johnstone's voice is beautifully powerful and interestingly it's her and the 'narrator' who do most of the singing.

The curtain never comes down as such and the cast seem to roll the props on & off - unexpected yet not at all disruptive.

Verdict:

A great musical packed with humour & emotion and fantastic acting performances, a must-see for all the family (the school trip in the row in front love it).

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