Lisa Smith from our Marketing Dept reviews Blood Brothers
I was lucky enough to see Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross road on Friday night. I say lucky because my friends and I had to practically run the whole way there having been so absorbed in our dinner at Nando’s. Anyway – we made it with seconds to spare and were so glad we did – it was fantastic.
Blood Brothers has been running in the West End for 20 years – you might expect that it could have been a slightly tired and faded production, but it was bold and alive and held our attention throughout. Several members of the audience were in tears as they left the theatre (it is a bit of a weepy!) and we joined most of the other members of the audience with a standing ovation.
Set in the shadows of the Liver Building the show begins with the inevitable ending of the play and the two doomed figures lay on stretchers on the stage. Despite this rather sombre beginning the show sustained energy and entertainment throughout. The story tells of twin boys separated at birth but destiny brings them together at stages throughout their lives and ultimately their untimely end. The most memorable performance was given by Niki Evans as Mrs Johnstone. Her powerful vocals combined with an appropriately sarcastic tone, interspersed with emotional out bursts made the role memorable and absorbing. We really enjoyed the performance, it was definitely one of the best West End shows I’ve seen and although it has been running for 20 years the performance felt as if it were the first night. Definitely a must see!
