KINGS THEATRE, GLASGOW 05.09.2017
BLOOD BROTHERS
THERE are some shows that, no matter the cast, are just breathtakingly good – and Blood Brothers is one.
It is a moving kitchen sink drama which hits you between the eyeballs in a shocking, almost Shakespearean, conclusion.
But while former New Seeker Lyn Paul has been lauded as the definitive Mrs Johnstone – the central character in the tragic tale – to be honest she was more like her granny.
Twenty years ago she was around the right age to play the single mum with a brood of hungry mouths to feed but now, pushing 70, she is no longer completely believable.
While her voice has retained a nice tone, the over echoing suggests the power has gone and the ultimate Tell Me It’s Not True number, while acted well, was missing the raw emotion in previous incarnations of the role.
However, she was still able to evoke sympathy at her pain and that is more important than anything in this role.
Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is the wretched tale of twin boys born into poverty but where one is saved from a life of drudgery by an illegal adoption.
The two boys meet sporadically throughout their short lives - becoming blood brothers in a childhood devotion never realising until it was too late that their blood link was more than a youthful game.
Sean Jones returns as Mickey, the twin who was kept, and is exceptional in the role. He uses his considerable talent to play first a cheeky, seven-year-old and then a young man on a downward spiral to a tragic end.
Danielle Corlass as Mickey’s childhood sweetheart Linda also turned in an incredible performance as an seven-year-old and then the wife of an ex-con who is hooked on prescription drugs. Her realisation that her love is not enough to save Mickey is moving.
The sound quality was pretty poor, with dialogue and large chunks of songs lost.
You’ll have heard the story of the Johnstone twins. No? Buy a ticket – it’s on until September 16 – you’ll never forget it.