"Bloody" Brilliant (Blood Brothers)

Member Name: Bigballs

Product:	Blood Brothers
Date:	29/06/01 (262 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bernie Nolan, Fantastic Story, Great Songs

Disadvantages: None

My first trip to the theatre was certainly one to remember.
Bernadette Nolan played Mrs. Johnstone, in this Liverpool set gritty Willy Russell musical. She plays a Mother who to save the rest of her Family from being taken into care, agrees to give One of her new born twin son's to the well off Women (Mrs. Lyons) she cleans for, who can not have Children. What follows is how the Two boys grow up in Two totally different circumstances and inadvertently become childhood best friends, much to the dismay of Mrs. Lyons who despite all her efforts cannot seem to keep the Two Boys apart.
I must admit to being a bit doubtful about Bernie's performance, but what a performance it is. I was shocked and amazed. Bernie's performance can only be described as incredible, every emotion perfectly acted out to the point that she and most of the audience were in floods of tears at the end.
The Narrator - Mike Dyer, created the atmosphere with a brilliant and passionate display. His voice and interpretation of the role are just incredible - he is the definitive narrator.
What makes this production really superb is the great support cast. I cannot remember the names of the actors that played Mickey and Eddie, but they have made their individual roles their own. Ranging from the stupid, silly humour of Childhood, to the silly fumblings of Teenagers, right through to the pain and anguish of what Adult life can throw at you.
Seeing on how good the performance was, I had to go back again to see if it was a one off night. I was mistaken. The 2nd showing I went to see was just as great, if not greater. Even now the memories of the performances still lingers.
I have since been to see some of the top shows like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Blood Brothers definitely rates up there with them, if not higher.

From the 'tingling start' to the 'tear jerking' finale, Blood Brothers is a show fit to grace the elite.

Summary: