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Blood Brothers
29th January 2019 - 2nd February 2019
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Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).
The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
Ticket price includes a £1 contribution to our heritage fund.
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Event Reviews
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Choice Radio Worcester
Back in Malvern this week - and definitely by popular demand given that it is its 4th visit in less than a decade - is everyone's favourite Scouse musical. Yes, it's Willy Russell's Blood Brothers, which tells the tale of twin brothers separated at birth after the mother effectively makes a pact with the devil, an act which carries a price which has to be paid later in life unbeknown to the two boys.
The show begins dramatically with what is effectively the end with two bodies on stage - it then reverts to happier if more financially difficult times when Eddie, one of the twins, is given away to a childless mother on the promise that the secret must never be told.
Taking the much-coveted role of Mrs Johnstone this time round is Olivier Award nominated Birmingham-born Linzi Hateley, a part played in the past by, amongst others, Lyn Paul, Maureen Nolan, Mel C and, in very early versions we have seen, Kiki Dee and Barbara Dickson, whilst on the international stage, the honours have gone to Petula Clark and Carole King.
Such is the kudos of being in the production that at least two of the cast who were in the previous show in Malvern three years ago are still in the show today. Sean Jones (who has also been in the West End production and is coming to the end of his amazing nearly 20 years involvement with the show and whose wife Tracy Spencer has also played the part of Mrs Lyons) is Mickey, the shy son who remains with his mother, and Sarah Jane Buckley (Kathy Barnes in Hollyoaks) is Eddie’s new mother. Mickey must be one of the best roles in show business - who wouldn’t want a part where you can act like a 7 year-old (and he does it both brilliantly and believably, in spite of being as tall as his mum, alongside Mark Hutchinson who takes the role of the ultimately well-to-do Eddie) with perfectly contrived mannerisms and the knockabout behaviour that kids have.
The standing ovation by the entire audience and multiple curtain calls in Malvern no doubt reflect what happens at every venue and deservedly so.
So why does a musical about a family break-up with absolutely devastating consequences prove to be so popular (most people there had probably already seen it at least once and some many more…). Other than the fact that it genuinely pulls at the heart strings, the show’s author Willy Russell describes it perfectly:
“People do see it more than once and one of the reasons is that it is a musical with a strong book, it has got a tale to tell. This might indict it as not being a real musical but if all the electricity fails in the theatre and you can’t light the show or amplify it, you can still do the show with a piano and even if the piano blows, you can still do the show a capella and it will work. It simply relies on the primal, ageless, universal thing of “I’m going to tell you a story”. Your ears prick up and you stay with it and there’s no better experience”
And that raw storytelling with its genuinely gut-wrenching moments by an impressive cast is something which the audience fully appreciated.
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Kerry
Firstly the staff at Malvern Theatres were so kind and helpful to us.
The theatres are set in the most beautiful of settings. The main part of the building is light and airy but the Festival theatre offers an intimate experience. You really feel engaged with the action on stage.Blood Brothers, oh my what an emotionally charged, heart felt performance. A story about the consequences of separating twins at birth.
The cast were fabulous. We laughed so hard that we cried and then at the sad parts we cried...be prepared to cry...but for all the right reasons. Exquisite performances all round. Small cast, huge impact. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. -
Richard
This was my first time to Malvern Theatre but my seventh experience of seeing Blood Brothers. The auditorium itself is intimate and the seats we had in the circle gave a good view of the performance.
As for the performance itself, it got a standing ovation, just like all the other six productions I have seen. The musical is now some 36 years old and it still moves people today. Somehow the messages it contains feel more relevant today than perhaps they were back then - Micky with his depression, gun and knife crime, the division between rich and poor. The social observations have stood the test of time and I would urge everyone to see Blood Brothers at least once in their lifetime.
The cast were good but if I had one slight negative it would be the sound quality. Micky's voice was quite at times and some of the songs have packed more of a punch via other performers. I don't know if that was a technical thing or an acting thing.
Regardless, it won't put me off going to see this show time and time again. Enjoy.
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Steve
I must congratulate the cast of " Blood Brothers" for their FANTASTIC performance last night (29th Jan)
STUNNING. The actor who played Mickey ,Sean Jones was incredible, ranging from his seven year old ( but nearly eight) to the pitiful depressed character at the end.Truely magnificent!!
Also stunning performances by Linzi Hately & Sarah Jane Buckley .
Good luck for the rest of the run and " Break a Leg" -
Christopher
I was at last nights production of Blood Brothers the cast delivered a truly wonderful performance which rightly deserved the standing ovation they received. Well done Malvern Theatre ? Thank you.
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Alison
Very good musical play, I would call it. Funny and sad. Excellent acting
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Nicola
Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant
It covers every emotion that's humanly possible. It's so true , entertaining and funny and then comes sadness and tears. The music is timeless. The cast are perfect each one part of something bigger.
Thank you for my 5th experience of this amazing production. And such a beautiful venue in a magical place. -
Lesley
Fantastic production in the lovely Malvern theatre - brilliant cast with outstanding performances from Sean Jones, Danielle Corlass and Linzi Hateley.
We went because our 15 year old son I'd studying Blood Brothersfor GCSE and he played the part of Eddie- we all thoroughly enjoyed the evening in snowy Malvern - Thank you. -
Louise
What a fabulous evening. The best show I’ve ever seen at Malvern Theatre. All the cast were brilliant, sending us on a rollercoaster of emotions and ending on a song that sent shivers down my spine.
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Gillian
Absolutely fantastic from begging to end. An emotional roller coaster of laughter and tears. I came to watch Blood brothers with my daughter as it’s part of her GCSE English, with Brilliant acting she says it will help her with her exams. Would definitely recommend and see again.
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Sarah
What can I say first time at Malvern theatre and first time seeing blood brothers it was absolutely brilliant blew me away very very well acted the story was fabulous came with my sister and we laughed and cried but both said one of the best shows we have seen !
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R
Amazing show
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Lisa
This honestly is the best Show I’ve ever seen, and believe me I’ve seen a few! Firsts for everything, Malvern Theatre and Blood Brothers. Wonderful acting felt very real and intimate. The songs and especially the Narrator/The Devil (that was my take on this character) were fabulous. A quality Show I will be talking about for a long time!! Thank you
