Blood Brothers thrills Wolverhampton audience
It is renowned for winning standing ovations wherever it goes. But reputation alone won't get a theatre crowd on its feet, and boy does the multi-talented cast of what is a belter of a production earn their plaudits.
Blood Brothers, Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
It is renowned for winning standing ovations wherever it goes. But reputation alone won't get a theatre crowd on its feet, and boy does the multi-talented cast of what is a belter of a production earn their plaudits.
Niki Evans is absorbing as Mrs Johnston — the downtrodden Scouse housewife who gave one of her twins away at birth with devastating consequences.
The former X Factor star, it seems, was born to be in musical theatre, selling the emotionally demanding role with utter conviction and imploring the audience to root for her character from the start.
Her powerful vocals are simply stunning, especially when conveying the raw passion of a broken woman whose worst nightmare has come to pass in the moving Tell Me It's Not True.
On keeping the role fresh, the Midlander told the Express & Star before taking to the stage last night: "I go away every six months and do something fun and completely different to this.
"If you play it continually it can stop you from feeling the emotion. And if I can't cry for the last scene then it's time to stop.
"You have to be able to do it justice every night, and if you can't, then you shouldn't play the role any longer." And do it justice she did. Craig Price is a commanding Narrator, establishing the required creepy presence as he helps build an uncomfortable sense of foreboding, while Sean Jones and Paul Davies as ill-fated twins Mickey and Eddie are simply outstanding.
From their comedic timing as carefree kids to their portrayal of crushing heartbreak as their lives unravel, their connection with the audience as their characters develop is worthy of the highest praise.
Jones in particular turns out a captivating performance as Mickey, showing his versatility as an actor as he switches from playing a foolish young boy to a broken man in the throes of a breakdown. If you've seen this top-class production, no doubt you've got your tickets to see it again. And if you haven't seen it, why not? Runs until Saturday.
by Stella Cairns
