Blood Bothers tells a story of two twins separated at birth, when Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evens) can’t afford to keep both. She is a cleaner to Mrs Lyons (Paula Tappenden) who can’t conceive her own children. Mrs Lyons realises that both women could get what the other needs, both a child of their own. Mrs Johnstone already has seven. They agree that Mrs J could see her son while working at the house. As with life, nothing goes to plan.
When I sat down in the auditorium in A1 of the refurbished theatre. A wave of emotion hit me, the curtain was down, but I noticed the red peeking out, I suddenly remembered how the show started. The band hadn’t even started yet and I was a bag of nervous energy. The curtain rose, the music started and I saw the scene that always sticks in my mind, the cast gather on the dimly lit stage, and then you see Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Jay Worley) walk down. They exchanged a haunting look. And I was afraid to breathe. Feeling I would break the moment. As most of you know how it starts, I won’t go into the details but when The Narrator (Richard Munday) came down stage to say
“So, did y'hear the story of the Johnstone twins?
As like each other as two new pinsOf one womb born, on the self same day
How one was kept and one given away?
An' did you never hear how the Johnstone's died
Never knowing they shared one name
Till the day they died, When a mother cried
My own dear sons lie slain
An' did y'never hear of the mother so cruel
There's a stone in place of her heart
Then bring her on and come judge for yourselves
How she came to play this part.” A shiver ran down me. It always does, but being so close I got even more emotional, I just couldn’t hold it in! It felt like I had been caught looking at Bill Sykes, you look but you’re not meant to. The Narrator role always makes me feel like that!
Then the wedding scene between Mr and Mrs J and how they came to be an item. Niki sang beautifully and gave it light and shade. Niki and Nick played off each other so well I was grinning like mad. Love the music and energy of it! Out of the corner of my eye, down S.R (if you’re on stage) I saw a wee face. ;-). But I didn’t want to spoil it for myself. Though it makes sense everyone else is at the wedding. My Child and Easy Terms breaks my heart for both women trying to do right by the children.
Fast forward to the scene that makes me want to go play on an imaginary horse….Mickey! I’ve seen Sean play this since 1999 and it never gets old! It actually becomes more believable! When Mickey is talking about Sammy, I started grinning again..the poor toy car lol! I love how Mickey is telling us, but without feeling like the fourth wall is being broken. The giggle and the twinkle in the eye. Genius! I wanted to be seven year old Mickey’s friend. After it in comes Jay as Eddie, he’s a wee dote, again never question the age. He’s seven … nearly eight, just like Mikey. And that’s that.
Sammy, what can I say? Lol Tim Lucas had me in stiches, I forgot about the worms and plate! His ten old Sammy was adorable. Sammy at the end, roughly about 28 -29 and to see his story was marvellous. Thanks Tim!
Seeing the cast play Kids Game (Carly Burns, Jacob Yolland, Andy Owens, Josh Capper, Grace Galloway, Melissa Potts, Tim Churchill, Sean and Timothy) even though you know it is rehearsed to a tee, it feels spontaneous and I wanted to join in! I never played games like that when I was seven! Hehe! I actually had to stay near the gate! Sorry to stay I nearly started to sing along. Caught myself, but crossed my fingers lol!
I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. I was glued. Maybe too invested? Can you be, with a show like Blood Brothers? Maybe not!
Every scene, believable. Every transition. Each different character, believable. I forgot how many different parts the cast play. Hats off to them. They are amazing.
Carly as Linda from start to end. The character grew and evolved. I knew a fair few seven year old Linda’s growing up. What I love is Linda and Mickey’s bond, right to the end.
Niki as Mrs Johnstone, you can see your own mum or anyone else’s, you see how she is toward Mickey and her other children. Love shines through. And Paula playing Jennifer Lyons and her love so strong for Eddie. Is heartbreaking to see, as I could see the guilt on her face. Amazing acting. But one thing was sure she loved Eddie. No doubt.
Nick Wilkes going between the two teachers, amazing! Still never did find out the answer…not fish and chips! Poor Perkins wee finger! Well done Andy, I was kind of a swat, if it was English or theatre related lol
Carly and Sean at the end, I held my breath in that scene. When Mickey says he wants to be invisible in nearly a whisper…I wanted Linda to turn and hold him when he was pleading with her. Behind her, into her ear. I’ve never gotten goosebumps with any show or scene. But right there, I did. Congratulations to Sean and Carly. That will stay with me for a very long time.
Also at the end Mr Lyons and the compassion he showed towards Mrs Johnstone and Eddie. Both played amazingly by Niki and Tim Churchill. And the mirror to it with The Narrator and Mrs Johnstone. I felt maybe he changed his mind about her and what she did. Both were only little moments, but Richard played it so well and Niki’s reaction was beautiful. I was busy trying not to cry.
Okay Jacob Yolland got me good. He was right beside me at the end….I held onto the seat not to jump…. that worked, but I screamed at the top of my lungs! Might have given Linda a run for her money lol probably not! You would think I would know what’s about to happen. But nope, I was afraid to move until the very last note. And we came full circle to the scene at the start. I couldn’t get out of my seat quick enough! My hands couldn’t clap fast enough!
I know I’ve waffled, but I wanted to try and remember everything and hopefully give credit where I could. This year was a special visit to Blood Brothers. I booked it quickly and wanted to get back to the GOH and see if all the memories of the first show came back, and they did! Thank you to each cast member and crew members, including Mr Andrew. You all brought the characters to life to where I nearly forgot I was sitting in the theatre. I appreciate all the time and energy you put into the show and I know this run and the next ones will be full houses. And that is down to each and everyone of you and all your hard work and love for the piece. Thank you.
