Wednesday 15 March 2023

THEATRE REVIEW: Blood Brothers - The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe.


Bill Kenwright's iconic production of this Willy Russell classic continues to tour almost every year, and the houses are always packed. This is because here, Kenwright has produced what can only be described as the perfect product. What was even more inspiring and wonderful was to see that large scale touring musicals can find a temporary home at Crewe's wonderful Lyceum Theatre. Perhaps this will now make other producers think that Crewe has a place in the UK touring schedule for such shows. Admittedly the theatre isn't the same size as many of the venues these shows will tour to, but when the shows are this good, and the audiences this receptive, full houses are more or less guaranteed.

This is the umpteenth time I have seen this show, and I have to say that due to the intimacy of this venue, and my proximity to the stage and therefore the action, this was my favourite performance to date. It was fresher, livelier, and more visceral than my previous experiences with this musical.

I have also seen many of this cast in these roles before too, which was comforting. Almost like greeting an old friend you haven't seen for a long time. Niki Colwell Evans performs the role of Mrs. Johnstone once again, and certainly for this reviewer, she is the bar upon which I shall judge all other actresses in this role. Her rich, powerful and emotive voice is perfect for the part, and her acting as she negotiates the drama, trauma, and tragedy of her life is second-to-none. And how she manages to keep her vocal composure at the end when faced with the tragedy of two dead sons, I shall never know!

Sean Jones continues to play the pivotal role of Mickey; and although he is now perhaps looking a little too old for the role, his acting ability and his superb characterisation ameliorates this situation, and we completely "buy-in" to him being 7 nearly 8! I think this was now the third time I have seen Jones tackle this role, and he still gives the same energetic and full-throttle performance and is a truly engaging actor.

Richard Munday is our narrator, sardonic, malevolent, controlling, all-knowing, and although I have seen Munday tackle this role before, he was at his absolute best this evening, making his role truly his own.

The rest of the main characters (I think - I haven't checked) are new to me. Joe Sleight makes a very personable Eddie, and making such a lovely and believable contrast between him and Mickey, and they work so well together too, it is almost impossible to believe that they have not been acting together all their lives. His emotional responses to Mickey's (girl)friend Linda are slightly less truthful, but that is a minor criticism.

Linda is performed by Olivia Sloyan and she impressed with her ability to grow (both in age and in "stature") as her character develops and the play progresses. A very watchable actress, natural and engaging.

Paula Tappenden and Tim Churchill both impressed as the parents of Eddie, Mr and Mrs Lyons, whilst Mickey's older brother Tommy was played with his foot full on the gas pedal throughout by Timothy Lucas. There were a couple of the ensemble members I remember seeing before, and the ensemble this evening worked superbly bringing about a varied array of cameo and character performances.

Technically, things worked well this evening, although there was an offputting echo on the mics when singing, as we heard the last few words of each line repeated through the speakers. This was only obvious though when it was the end of a verse or there was a pause between that and the next line of song. The sound levels however were perfect, and lighting and set worked well. However, and I have made comment on this in previous reviews too, I have never understood why the Liverpool city backcloth is left on in the second act when we are supposed to be in the country and the Skelmersdale Lane road sign is still there. I understand that the action in the second act switches many times, but keeping the Liver Building firmly in view the whole time doesn't work for me I have to say.

Blood Brothers is a hugely popular production, and with good reason, it has everything one can want from a musical... love, comedy, romance, tragedy, horror, drama, and all played out by characters that you can relate to, and in situations which anyone (well, almost anyone) could find themselves in, given the same set of circumstances. (not like poor Marilyn Monroe). This evening's deserved standing ovation was testament to the longevity and appeal of this 1983 classic.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 14.3.23

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