EntertainmentTheatre

Blood Brothers at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review

5-16 September 2017

Reviewed by Emily Crombie

I was excited to attend the King’s Theatre in Glasgow last night (5 September 2017) for the opening performance of Blood Brothers, a show I had heard so much about but not seen before. It exceeded all my expectations on every level.

The book, music and lyrics are all by Willy Russell. A play studied at school sowed the seed for Blood Brother where twins who were separated at birth follow very different paths through life. The nature versus nurture debate and superstition are very central themes of the show and the prophecy that twins who are separated at birth shall both die if either find out.

Mrs Johnstone, played by Lyn Paul, discovers shortly after her husband leaves her she is pregnant with twins. Her affluent but childless employer, Mrs Lyons, convinces her to give her one of the babies which sets the destiny for both boys. Mickey for a life of poverty and prison resulting in addiction and depression while Edward lives a life with the Lyons’ at the other end of the social spectrum. Ultimately the love of the same girls results in both their deaths, knowing only moments beforehand they were brothers.

The role of the Narrator (Dean Chisnall), fills in the story, speaking directly to the audience. He cleverly uses the many superstitions such as new shoes on the tables, breaking a mirror, walking on cracks to create an ominous atmosphere.

The quick moving show has many scenery changes which are slick and unobtrusively incorporated into the performance. The closing musical number Tell Me It’s Not True was a poignant end to the show.

Blood Brothers is a captivating show of the highest calibre.

The King’s Theatre is on Bath Street in Glasgow’s city centre. It is a traditional theatre set over four levels. The staff were cheery and accommodating.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £16.90 to £69.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Blood Brothers is at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow from 5-16 September 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/kings or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.

King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648

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