Blood Brothers, Too Friendly Theatre Company, Director: Cliff Gillies
The sign of a well written and well acted play is when you become so absorbed with the characters and story line that you forget you are there primarily to review the performance. This was definitely the case with Blood Brothers. Willy Russell was originally asked to write the play specifically for performance by Merseyside Youth Peoples’ Theatre Company. The dynamics of the story line shift from humour through despair, anger, joy and tragedy and the competent cast was skilled in carrying out every subtle change of mood of the piece.
The play held the eyes and ears of every audience member. The source of the drama is social conflict, with class and moral issued being addressed. The five main characters allowed the story to unfold with forceful credibility.
Helen Haygarth as Mrs Johnston gave an outstanding performance. Her mannerisms, especially showing nervous tension and anguish, helped to define her characterization. Cliff Gillies as Mickey, her son, also gave us a believable character. Mickey’s gradual change throughout the play from a seven-year old to adulthood was most skilfully portrayed, Eddie, played by John Windsor, added just the right tone as Mickey’s twin brother. He is brought up in a more affluent environment, as his mother, unable to cope with another mouth to feed, gives him to the Lyons family. The scenes between Mickey and Eddie were full of rhythm, movement and action giving us more than the required energy to carry the play along.
Adding to this duo is Linda, played by Joanne Wasilew. Her actions and reactions to the eternal triangle, which developed between Mickey, Eddie and herself, were played with sensitivity.
Sue Thomas as Mrs Lyons was a force, albeit delivered gently, to be reckoned with. Her love for Eddie – her adopted son – was acted throughout with conviction. Added to this strong cast was Mark Haygarth as the Narrator. He set the mood and rhythm of the piece from the beginning.
The scenery and lighting were adequate, the programme was rather a mishmash, no cast list, no setting of time or place for example. As much as the Company is familiar with the plot it cannot be assumed that everyone in the audience knows the play. But these are minor points after seeing a well-crafted piece of theatre where all the elements came together to give the audience a night to remember.
Barbara Worrall, NODA.
