Blood Brothers by Willy Russell

Millennium Forum

27^th September 2004

by Shonagh Lyons and Hannah powers.

Blood Brothers is undoubtedly the most exciting thing to have happened to the English musical theatre in years.  Blood Brothers by Willy Russell was first performed at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983 and subsequently transferred to the Lyric Theatre, London.  It was revived in the West End in 1988 for a long-running production and opened on Broadway in 1993.

Twin brothers are separated at birth when Mother, Mrs. Johnston can not afford to keep them both as well as her other children.  She gives one of them away to wealthy Mrs. Lyons.  The two brothers grow up as friends in the ignorance of their fraternity until the inevitable quarrel unleashes a blood bath.

The production of Blood Brothers in the Millennium Forum, Londonderry/Derry was a great success from start to finish on Monday 27^th September.  The acting was terrific as were the singing voices of the cast.  Form Four and Five pupils of Dominican College were advised to see this production as part of the GCSE Drama and English Course and there were no doubts that this play was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.  It was convincing and the story was well told by both music and drama.  There was also a good sense of humour throughout the play, from beginning to end.  The amount of tension and emotion was certainly overwhelming and had some in tears.  This was truly a night to remember and definitely had everyone on the edge of their seats, by the end!