Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Read more …
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).
Lyn Paul returns to the iconic role she has played many times in the West End, in fact she was the show’s final Mrs Johnstone when it closed at The Phoenix Theatre in 2012. Lyn also starred in Bill Kenwright’s tour of Cabaret with Will Young in 2013 and rose to fame as a member of the pop group New Seekers whose numerous number one hits include ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ which sold over 20 million copies.
The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
It’s difficult not to think that the show’s success is in no small part due to the impact of the final number. This show, more than most, builds by inches to a climax, and as the cast congregate to howl out ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ in unison, tears are streaming down some faces in the audience as they rise to their feet to show their appreciation. That really says it all.
While Russell's musical compositions are far from subtle, some of the overwrought bombast of previous productions has been jettisoned for something more restrained and almost mournful in delivery. Even so, the show's final five minutes remain one of the most emotionally draining theatrical experiences likely to grace a stage anywhere in recent times.
Willy Russell's Blood Brothers is a remarkably intimate work that nevertheless doesn't feel dwarfed in a venue the size of the Edinburgh Playhouse.
As relevant today, sadly, as it was when it was first produced in the early 1980s.
Magnificent.
With members of the West End’s closing ‘dream cast’, this touring production is insightful and marvellously performed.
Remains as irresistible as ever.
Lyn Paul--Blood Brothers, The New Seekers and How Bill Kenwright Changes Her Life
Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh from Monday March 5, 2018, until Saturday March 10, 2018. More info: www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk
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