Blood Brothers

SYNOPSIS

Blood Brothers

In the early 1980s, Willy Russell penned an original production that would one day become one of the many defining features of the West End. Titled “Blood Brothers”, it was originally intended as a school play but would eventually be changed into a full blown musical after he adapted the classic “Educating Rita” to the stage. It first opened at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983 but it would be some time before the foundations were made for a West End hit.

Reviews were moderate and audiences were not initially attracted to the show and a brief stint in London essentially rules out any chances of it becoming a classic. That was until a certain producer called Bill Kenwright came along, feeling that there was more to “Blood Brothers” than people first appreciated. He resurrected the show, sent it on a UK tour and eventually opened it in the West End once again, this time at the Albery Theatre (now known as the Noel Coward Theatre) and on this occasion, the results were magnificent. In 1991 it would transfer to the Phoenix Theatre and continue there to this very day, cementing itself as an iconic part of the West End - a production that is amongst the longest running in town.

“Blood Brothers” centres around the lives of two twin brothers who grow up to lead very different journeys, opening on a dramatic set piece involving a showdown on a dark Liverpool street. We soon learn of the events leading to this centrepiece as we go back in time to meet Mrs Johnstone, a single mother barely making ends meet. She has just learnt that she is pregnant with twins and she fears she will be unable to raise them properly in her current conditions and seeks the advice of her employer, the wealthy Mrs Lyons. This upper class woman, who employs Johnstone as a cleaner, hatches a plan to raise one of the twins as her own, relieving the pressure of raising two children close to the bread line. Johnstone agrees and when the boys are born they grown up as friends, unaware that they are in fact twin brothers.

The musical highlights the differences between the classes as one of the boys lives a good life, gaining good grades, attending an Oxbridge University and landing a high flying job. The other grows up on the dole, landing himself in prison and without much hope. It soon transpires that it is perhaps class struggle that will lead to a showdown on a dark, eventful evening.

“Blood Brothers” is often praised by critics and audiences, who agree that it is one of the best musicals ever set to the stage. Over the years, it has seen countless people pass through its doors, whilst touring versions have delighted audiences across the United Kingdom. Add to that numerous nominations for Tony Awards on the other side of the Atlantic and the true scale of the phenomenon can be felt. It even regularly attracts big names to its stage, with Mel C being one of the names attached to the production in 2009, with previous performers including the likes of Anthony Costa and all four of the Nolan Sisters.

It is an intense journey to go on, with the class struggles of the 1960s and 1970s amplified through the powerful score and narrative, taking audiences on a compelling ride to the very end. Considering its early failure on the stage, audiences should feel lucky that they still have the opportunity to witness this monumentally famous production.

“Blood Brothers” continues at its home of the Phoenix Theatre, where it is currently booking to 2010.

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