So I’m telling people what I’m doing in the evening, ” I’ve got tickets to see Blood Brothers”, “Oh wow I hear that it’s amazing” usually follows. Actually more often is “Oh you’ll love it it’s fantastic! I’ve seen it (insert a large number here) times!”
I have always heard that as far as plays go, this was a big one. Now in its 29th year of performance traveling the world selling out the west end and Broadway whenever it’s in town. Tonight is a sell out as well. The place packed to the rafters in anticipation and me having not done any research whatsoever feeling like I’ve stumbled onto something rather special.
Willie Russell’s story of life and society is easily the best I’ve seen. Not as in topical life stories, I mean it’s the best play I have ever seen.
The characters were so richly played out in this performance I struggle to pick favourites, the performances were top class with a range and belief that brought these characters to life. Very rare I find an audience so captivated by the scenes unfolding before our eyes.
The first half is full of vibrancy and twists and turns as the plot builds with humour and drama from such a familiar human place you cannot help to become emotionally invested in the characters. You see shades of your own childhood in the faces of the actors.
In the interval the crowd are so excited for what’s to come with such positive mentions and veterans from multiple viewings wording their glowing praise at tonight’s first act. All very positive going into Act 2 which moves the ongoing timeline forward some more seeing the trials and tribulations of our beloved characters.
I’m not going to spoil anything for you but the second act is phenomenal. I just implore you to go and experience it. For an example the standing ovation went on after the band hit its last note and the 5 curtain calls the cast got to rapturous applause was more than deserved. Their where tears in the eyes of all involved but positive and uplifting too. I cannot recommend you see this play enough. For the record, I had something in my eye….
Willie Russell’s Blood Brothers is on at the Theatre Royal until the 20th of February. Tickets available at: www.trch.co.uk
Review by Adam Willis
