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A musical still of our times
Blood Brothers Malvern Theatres **** NEARLY three decades on from its
creation, Blood Brothers still packs a punch as one of the most
provocative and emotional musicals in theatre. Willy Russell's gripping, edgy story about twin
brothers in Liverpool, separated at birth to grow up in polar ends of
the class system, is as much about personal decisions and hardships as
the effect of the economy on human lives. Not only has this poignant story and the catchy
musical score stood the test of time, but it's success is also due to
maintaining a strong, talented small cast over the years. The main celebrity name is attached to the lead
role of Mrs Johnstone - the twins' down-and-out mother who lives a life
mainly in debt or anguish - which this time around is Maureen Nolan,
once of the Nolan sisters. She takes on the role that has previously been
played by not only her sister Linda Nolan but also Kiki Dee, Spice Girl
Melanie Chisholm and Barbara Dickson, to name a few. She's got a good
voice but a couple of the songs don't seem ideal for her range, like
Easy Terms. It's eerie just how relevant many of the scenes
are to today's recession-hit Britain, particularly during the song
Miss Jones, when we see husbands being handed redundancy slips and
left queuing for the dole. Then there are other themes of opportunities
on offer for large single-parent families on benefits, and addiction to
anti-depressants. All in all, it's hard to believe this wasn't written
just last week. But along with the sadder elements of this story,
it is always well-balanced with plenty of humour. Scenes when the
brothers are growing up through childhood and adolescence (also played
by the adult actors) are fun and particularly charming. Narrator Kristofer Harding deserves a mention for
looming over the proceedings with menace along with a wonderful voice,
while brothers Mickey and Eddie are acted out with feeling by Sean Jones
and Mark Hutchinson. Blood Brothers is a timeless, very British
musical. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do now. Alison Brinkworth
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