As Blood Brothers celebrates twenty-five years of success as a musical phenomenon, it is back where it belongs, in its home, its heart, the City of Liverpool.
Willy Russell's wonderfully poignant story is here again and draws us like a magnet to laugh and cry as we meet the characters we feel we already know so well.
The true genius of the play lies in the fact that its storyline is as fresh today as ever it was; it deals with problems that are timeless and so it will never reach a 'sell by' date.
The backdrop is our magical city skyline at night as the overture plays. The music haunting and wistful.
The versatility of the Stage set and its swift adaptability carries us along with the story as it unfolds from the street to the living room to the countryside and back again.
The Narrator (Robbie Scotcher) remains on stage throughout, menacingly reminding us that Fate is only waiting in the wings and will catch up with us at any moment.
Lyn Paul as the infamous Mrs Johnstone melts hearts with her fine voice and we follow respectfully, avidly, her lifestory and feel her pain and joy in equal measure.
Of course the twins Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Paul Davies) steal the show with their boyish antics, followed closely by Sammy (Daniel Taylor) and the lovely Linda (Kelly-Anne Gower) who lift the show with their great sense of fun and comic timing. They all have great stage presence, their characters brought to life with such realism makes it all the more painful to see their Fate played out.
The sad and often sinister Mrs Lyons (Tracy Spencer) succeeds in creating a great sense of foreboding throughout the story and we really cannot feel sorry for her at the end. It is Mr Lyons (Tim Churchill) and Linda who warrant our sympathy, feeling their pain as deeply as if it our own.
The Finale is heart-rending as Mrs Johnstone sings, Lyn Paul's voice as well as her heart breaking, the beautiful, bittersweet lyrics to 'Tell me it's not True!'
...Met with a teary-eyed, rapturous standing ovation from the audience every time!
If you are lucky enough to be going to see this splendid musical for the very first time, do not delay.
Catch this unforgettable production at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 24th April 2010.
10 out of 10.
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Phil, Aigburth around 2 years, 1 month ago