Blood Brothers

Synopsis

Musical melodrama set in Liverpool about twins separated at birth and the effects on their personalities as they grow up of 'nature' and 'nurture'. A poor family, already with kids, is blessed with twins, but they can't cope. The mother cleans at a `posh' house where they are desparate to have kids but can't and a deal is struck which no-one must know about. Despite the efforts of the new family the boys paths cross time and time again as they grow and one becomes `bad' while the other is 'good'. Eventually they clash with tragic consequences. The musical is un-usual in having a "narrator" who helps to move the plot along.

Our Review:

Ruth Kilner - 1 February 2011

Sheffield’s historic Lyceum Theatre plays host to Willy Russell’s legendary Musical Blood Brothers from 31st January to 12th February 2011.

Starring 2007 X-Factor contestant Niki Evans in the leading role of Mrs. Johnstone, Directors Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright present this epic musical tragedy as it celebrates its 25th anniversary year.

The musical’s narrative follows the story of the two youngest offspring of the Johnstone family; twins who are born at a time when the family’s budget is already overstretched. Mrs. Johnstone’s wealthy employer, Mrs Lyons, concocts a wicked plan to effectively buy one of the twins from her, as she herself is unable to conceive.

The plot takes devastating twists and culminates in a horrific heartbreak. This is complimented, however, by the jollities and gallows-humour of family life in times of strife.

Set in working class Liverpool between the 1960s and 1980s, Blood Brothers also provid...

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Latest User Review

diane sivewright - 25 January 2013:

its the second time i've seen the show and the second time it's brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye simply brilliant!!!...

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