Review: Blood Brothers at Darlington Civic Theatre

A Celebration of Friends and Family

Blood Brothers

Darlington Civic Theatre

Until Saturday 29^th November 2014.

It was on a cold night in November that the Blood Brothers tour rolled into Darlington on its 29^th Anniversary. What makes a story stay in production in pretty much its original form for that length of time? A cracking story! Willy Russell understands both his audience and the faithfulness of the source material with this wonderful musical.

So do you know the story of the Johnstone Twins? The story starts with their Mum describing how dancing and looking a bit like Marilyn Monroe leads to a house full of kids. She manages to get a cleaning job at the house of Mr and Mrs Lyons which helps keep the debt collectors away after her husband ran off. Unfortunately he left her with a couple of presents in the shape of twins. Mrs Lyons hatches a plan to take on and raise one of the children as she is unable to have her own. Willy Russell, through the Narrator, reminds us of superstitions such as the bad luck that comes from putting new shoes on the table or seeing just one magpie. Sure enough the plans unravel as the story continues.

Sean Jones plays the initially playful Mickey and does a wonderful job demonstrating how he grows up with the harsh realities of his lot in life. Joel Benedict provides a perfect foil as his twin Eddie. The girl who grows up into their love interest is provided by Linda, played by the fabulous Danielle Corlass. Between them they provide many laughs as they go from seven years of age up to 18. The high jinks is reminiscent of the opening scenes of Blue Remembered Hills.

The strong story is supported by well crafted songs and the bulk of the singing is shared between the charismatic narrator, Kristopher Harding and the Mum, Mrs Johnstone, performed by a member of the 70s singing sensations The Nolans, Maureen Nolan. Clearly singing since the age of 9 gives Maureen both the confidence and ability to captivate the audience. Between them they made the musical numbers a delight to hear.

The story never drags and the performances remain tight throughout the show. No wonder the cast made 4 curtain calls in front of a full standing ovation from the delighted crowd.  Blood Brothers is a strong story performed by a great cast.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo.

On The Web
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BKLBloodBrothers

Tickets*

Evenings 7.30pm, Matinees Thu 2pm & Sat 2.30pm

Opening Night £19.80, £20.60, £21.80, £23.40

Tue -Thu Evenings & Sat 2:30pm £24.50, £25.50, £27, £29

Fri & Sat Evenings £26.50, £27.50, £29 & £31

Thu 2pmAll seats £19

Discounts available

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes £1 per ticket restoration levy

Preview: Blood Brothers at Darlington Civic Theatre

Maureen Nolan makes a 
welcome return to Blood Brothers

 

 Blood Brothers

   Darlington Civic Theatre   
   Monday 24 – Saturday 29 November      

    

Voted “MOST POPULAR BRITISH MUSICAL OF ALL TIME” by New York Times readers

“You’ve never seen a musical like Blood Brothers. Every night of the week audiences stand and cheer.See it for yourself and understand why.” New York Times

Following sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers continues to tour the UK. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply unmissable and unbeatable. This epic tale of Liverpool life ran in London’s West End for 24 years, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone, and has been touring the UK since 1995.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited, by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet.

It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. A sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performances make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.

Maureen Nolan makes a welcome return to Blood Brothers as Mrs Johnstone. Maureen has been singing with her sisters since she was nine years old. Together they became one of Europe’s first girl bands – The Nolans. The Nolans’ success is legendary, including phenomenal record sales worldwide, particularly in Japan where they sold more records than The Beatles! Maureen has played Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers in the West End and on tour to critical acclaim. She was the fourth Nolan sister to play the role, earning them entry in to the Guinness Book of Records.

Willy Russell is undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.

Blood Brothers is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright with designs by Andy Walmsley.  Dan Samson is the original sound designer. Rod Edwards is the musical supervisor and Kelvin Towse is the production musical director.

On The Web
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BKLBloodBrothers

Tickets*

Evenings 7.30pm, Matinees Thu 2pm& Sat 2.30pm

Opening Night £19.80, £20.60, £21.80, £23.40

Tue -Thu Evenings & Sat 2:30pm£24.50, £25.50, £27, £29

Fri & Sat Evenings £26.50, £27.50, £29 & £31

Thu 2pm All seats £19

Discounts available

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes £1 per ticket restoration levy