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Fiona Mountford's rating
Reader rating
Dir: Bill Kenwright.
Cast: Bill Kenwright Productions
Description: Willy Russell's musical set in Liverpool that tells of the meeting of twins separated at birth.
Trains: Tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road 
Phone: 0870 060 6629
Strong and sure: Melanie C as Mrs Johnstone and Philip Stewart as the narrator. The former Spice Girl makes an assured debut as the struggling single mother who gives away one of her newborn twins
Never before have I seen a domino row of hardened critics rise to give a spontaneous standing ovation. Yet this is what they — we — did, along with a rapt and tearful audience, for the gloriously recast Blood Brothers, now celebrating its 21st year in the West End.
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C, previously known as the Spice Girl who could actually sing. I last caught Blood Brothers three years ago, in the middle of a seemingly interminable run of Nolan sisters in the headline role of Mrs Johnstone. Willy Russell’s book, music and lyrics were impassioned, but overall the piece didn’t wear its near three-hour running time particularly lightly.
Now, with the former Spice taking her place on merit rather than reputation to lead an impressively committed cast, it rings out as a rich, detailed and desperately moving piece of work.
The story is probably over-familiar. We’re in Liverpool some time before decimalisation, where struggling single mother Mrs Johnstone (Mel C) agrees to hand over one of her newborn twins to her rich, childless employer Mrs Lyons (Vivienne Carlyle). The boys, Mickey and Eddie (Stephen Palfreman and Richard Reynard), lead parallel lives separated by the great economic divide. A narrator hovers on the edges of Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright’s action, giving a foreboding sense that the iron fist of fate is clenched over it all.
Those expecting chorus lines and show tunes will be disappointed, as Russell concentrates instead on two penetrating musical leitmotifs. The first, Shoes upon the Table, signals superstition and bad luck. The other is Mrs Johnstone’s recurring theme, and uses the heyday and decline of her idol Marilyn Monroe to mirror her own fortunes.
Mel C delicately captures every changing tone, from teenage joy to adult resignation. The range she manages on Easy Terms, a doleful hymn to the “never-never”, is equally admirable.
If we already knew she could sing, we might not have guessed she’d prove this adept at acting.
Yet the arc she traces as the indomitable matriarch is strong and sure, with her climactic anguish so evidently felt that it’s almost unwatchable. If it carries on like this, Blood Brothers could run for another 21 years.
Mel C stars in Blood Brothers until April. Box Office: 0870 060 6629.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
it was my first visit to the theatre and i enjoyed it so much.Mel c was fantastic ,my father in law has seen it six times and i can see why!
- Vasos Minas, cheshunt herts
I just love it. i did't go see it but i hered on youtube.com i just sat on my beb and cried like forever and even though i din't see it was likei was there.
mel you are sow telinted in what you do that makes every one in the WORLD LOVE'S YOU.God gave you the greast gift of a love Angel's all a roud you.So keep doing it . Angel
1:48 my time in Akron,Ohio.lovie ya
- Angela Houseton, Akron,Ohio
I took my wife to see Blood Brothers on 02/02/10, whilst on a short trip to London, Didn't know what to expect, but had heared it was good, and worth seeing....understatement of the century.
The show was immense, Melanie C was a truly inspired choice to play Mrs Johnstone, and the rest of the cast were equally fabulous. Having never been a fan of the Spice Girls, Melanie shows that she is no 'one trick pony' and that she is a genuinely talented superstar.
If you have not seen this show, you really must, and definately during Melanie C's tenure. Many thanks to all the cast for a truly memorable event.
- Paul Roberts, Otley, West Yorks, UK
This was my 14th time! I saw it 13 times back in the 80's at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.... If anything I loved it more than then! we went on 4/12/09 Mel C is amazing, the hairs on my arms stood on end, maybe because I relate now much more to this having had children and brought them up on my own. Back in London in Feb for my daughters 17th birthday, would love to take her for my 15th time! but no offer (Sainsburys mag) PS the narrator is soooooooooooooo gorgeous!
- Jo Johnson, Altrincham. Cheshire
It was awesome. I knew Melanie would be incredible. Then entire Cast was superb. I will be seeing it again.
- Trinh, Boston, MA
My third time to Blood Brothers. Cant believe how moved I was again. The cast were as usual superb and Mel C exceeded my high expectations.Cant wait to go again. Well done.
- Karin, WEST SUSSEX
Saw Blood Brothers on Jan 14th. because my wife wanted to see it. This is a great show, not only Melanie C but the whole cast were absolutely magnificent. Stephen Palfreman as Mickey was for me the star of the show. Let's hope this is the first of many West End musicals for Melanie C as she was born for the stage.
- Brian, Uckfield, UK
Went to see Blood Brothers last night (14 Dec 09) had no idea what to expect - but what I saw just blew me away. Mel C was absolutely fantastic and the rest of the cast were superb. Cant wait to go and see it again.
- Karen Sait, London
Thorughly enjoyed Blood Brothers last night. Mel C was fanastic as were the rest of the cast. Didn't know Mel C could sing like this. Hope to see her in lots more of musical theatre in the future. Fantastic.
- Ruth, London UK
