Blood Brothers still has the power to reduce us to sobbing wrecks
Blood Brothers, Kings Theatre, Southsea, until Saturday, May 4
Dramatic, emotional and rich in Scouse warmth and humour, by the curtain call Blood Brothers still renders most of us sobbing wrecks, no matter how many times you see it. But it also has us on our feet and clapping our hands raw. So it was at The Kings yesterday evening.
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Hide AdWilly Russell’s spellbinding story of twin boys separated at birth and then reunited without knowing who the other is, it is a tale steeped in superstition and laced with recurring references to the beautiful but tragic screen idol Marilyn Monroe. Class is a central theme, with each twin respectively limited and enabled by circumstance.
The cast of 2019 are on top form, both in individual roles and as an ensemble. A ‘less than’ Mrs Johnstone would dim the production’s wattage considerably, but no such fears founded with Linzi Hateley at the helm. Arguably one of the best Mrs Johnstones of all time; investing her heart and soul in each and every note, it is a spine-tingling performance.
As Blood Brothers continues its 30th anniversary tour – a sort of musical Mousetrap – it is the gift that keeps on giving. Be sure to unwrap it.
Vicky Edwards
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