A real work out for your emotions. (Blood Brothers)

Member Name: Densiegirl

Product:	Blood Brothers
Date:	28/03/09 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic story, some catchy tunes, and one of the most emotive songs ever written.

Disadvantages: You will need to take a tissue with you.

This musical is more like a play with some singing than a standard musical. That said, it is one of the best musicals out there with one of the most emotive songs from a show - Tell Me It's Not True.

My husband felt the first 10 -15 mins were a little slow, but they are necessary to set up the story of a woman who has to make an awful choice. She is struggling to feed and clothe her growing family on her own as her husband has left her (for a woman who looks just like Marilyn Monroe), she has now just had twin sons and a rich employer who desperately wants a child and can offer him all the material possesions that she cannot provide. The choice she makes then sets of a series of events that span the years and lead to one of the most dramatic show endings that I have ever seen.

The show is given a real sense of forboding by the dark presence of the narrator, who a times feels like a cross between her conscience and the devil and links the whole show seamlessly.

You will be struggling with your tears during this show, sometimes with laughter and sometimes with raw emotion. The writing is fantastic, there are a few swears but they are appropriate to the scenes. I do not want to spoil the show by going too much into the details of the story, but from the start you will have an idea of how it will end but not how it is going to get there or how your emotions will be given such a workout on the journey. You are guaranteed some real belly laughs and some really harrowing moments.

I have seen this show several times over the last few years and have to say that Linda Nolan is the best Mrs Johnstone, she brings real emotion to the role, and I have seen her really distraught as she sings the last song. Unfortunately she is not playing the part at the moment due to personal circumstances, but should she ever take up the part again I would urge you to see her in this role.

The show is on at the Phoenix Theatre, London, but constantly tours also so should be coming somewhere near you. Maureen Nolan is currently Mrs Johnstone in the touring version and Niki Evans (a former X Factor contestant) plays the part in the West End.

If you want a night of great entertainment and love a powerful story this is definately for you.

Summary: A brilliantly written story, not for very young children.