Blood Brothers

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon runs until Saturday.

THE powerful, highly entertaining and emotional West End show of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers had its opening performance at the Wyvern Theatre this week and resulted in an appreciative standing ovation.

It runs until Saturday and this fast-paced performance doesn’t allow any chance for boredom.

Set in 1960s Liverpool, the plot centres around Mrs Johnstone (played by the fantastically talented Lyn Paul of New Seekers fame) who is struggling to support her many children after her husband walks out on her.

Things look up as she gets a cleaning job working for a middle class couple called Mr and Mrs Lyons.

When she discovers her husband's parting gift - she is pregnant again and this time it’s twins - she panics.

With no way of getting more money for the additions to her brood. Mrs Lyons, who is childless and desperate for a baby, offers to take one of the babies to raise as her own.

A dramatic pact is made, no one must ever know, but, thanks to some suitably somber music, you know no good can possibly come of this agreement.

Despite being from very different sides of the track, the twins end up forming a true friendship as they grow up, totally clueless about their connection.

Mickey, the twin who stayed living with Mrs Johnstone, was played by Sean Jones and he plays the part of a cheeky scamp excellently. He is a fantastic performer who was a real highlight of the cast. The other brother, Eddie, who was raised by the wealthy Mr and Mrs Lyons, was played by Mark Hutchinson and his posh antics had everyone in hysterics.

You may have seen this production before (I myself have now seen it five times as it’s so addictive) but too much information about the storyline would be a definite spoiler.

However, Linda (performed by the outstandingly talented Danielle Corlass) has to be mentioned. She is one of the kids from the neighbourhood and her close relationship with both of the twins is a poignant part of the storyline.

One of the things that makes this particular play so consuming and interesting is the fact that it’s not cheesy as some productions can be.

It’s gritty, raw and is guaranteed to have you feeling every emotion under the sun. Oh and it’s possible you will shed a tear in places during a fantastic evening of the finest entertainment.

Kelly Jobanputra