I often find it difficult to revisit a book, a film or a stage production, particularly if it’s a musical and especially if on the first visit it was a pleasurable experience. Therefore, it was with some degree of uncertainty that I attended the opening night of Willie Russells’ ‘Blood Brothers ’ at the Bournemouth Pavilion.

Prior to the performance I noted that there were few vacant seats - the word ‘snug’ was an appropriate word to describe the seating arrangements of the small but welcoming venue.

 At curtain up I was immediately impressed with the emotion and atmosphere of the opening scene. Although the set is quite simplistic in design, it is effective and requires the audience to use their imagination rather than rely upon visual presentations, enabling a greater degree of character awareness and performance.

I  very quickly dealt with the fact that the lead character Mrs Johnstone, whom I have previously seen played by Linda Nolan, didn’t have an Irish accent. Lyn Paul, of former New Seekers fame, took on the role and won me over completely. Her voice is well suited and her acting ability enabled her to deliver a very talented and emotion-filled performance.

Blood Brothers is an emotive tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up to lead very different lives. They meet as youngsters without knowledge of their true relationship and form a strong friendship - blood brothers. The brothers only learn of their relationship as adults, moments before their deaths in tragic circumstances.

Whilst the story deals with hardships, untruths and strong emotive issues, it incorporates a vein of humour that was skillfully delivered so as to raise much laughter without detracting from the credibility of character or the sadness of the story.

Sean Jones played Blood Brother Mickey Johnstone, with a verve that must have been wholly draining for him - I wholly believed his character from the age of seven years to adulthood and was taken with his interpretation of his adulthood suffering of medicinal addiction. Mickey is a pivotal character in this story and I doubt Sean's performance in the role could be much improved upon.

Whilst highlighting the performances of Lyn Paul and Sean Jones, it is important to say that I considered the whole cast to be talented and entertaining  performers, all of whom contributed fully to the success of this production. I am convinced that it was the interaction of the cast as a whole that made for a very enjoyable evening and brought the whole applauding audience to their feet at the end of night. 

I left the theatre persuaded it is possible for me to revisit a good production and enjoy the experience all over again, especially this great trial. Give it a try and enjoy.

Gordon Cutter