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Fiona Mountford's rating
Mel C Blood Brothers debut leaves us really, really wanting more
By
Fiona Mountford
13 Nov 2009
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.
Reader views (14)
Fantastic performance, Melanie! I think that you are singing even more strongly than before. Those low notes for 'Easy Terms' were incredible. The show had everything - a great story, truly believable acting and superb songs delivered with style.
- Guy Higby, Dunstable UK, 06/04/2010 12:56
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Amazing musical, enjoyable from start to finish, the best thing is the live music from the hidden band, my hat goes to them first. The acting was amazing, especially Stephen who played Mickey, he displayed amazing range maturing from a 7 year old into adulthood with all the funny lines and drama at the end.
Eddy was equally hilarious and a match to Mickey's performance. Mel C was perfect as the singing voice, but a little wooden on the acting.. The rest of the cast from the narrator, the other mother and the girlfriend were are great supports. Will definitely see it again on my second trip to London.
- Mazen Radwan, Beirut, Lebanon, 08/03/2010 07:07
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oh my gosh, i went to see blood brothers and it was brilliant, i sat right at the front and saw everything!!
10 out of 10
i wish i could see it again, mel c was fantastic and actors need medals, i can't act like a 6 year old, and take my hat off to anyone that can.
Edward and Mickey were AMAZING!!!!
- Jessica Wright, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, 26/02/2010 20:48
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Brilliant show last night. Mel C was superb, Richard was wonderful as Eddie, Stephen and Louise were superb as Mickey and Linda. Altogether they were an amazing cast who thoroughly deserved the standing ovation they received
- Jenny Eccles, Bedfordshire, 20/02/2010 15:48
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Blood Brothers was excellant as were the cast! Was very suprised by Mel C performance she was fantastic. The show was very thought provoking!
- Stephanie, London, 16/02/2010 11:27
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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, 08/02/2010 22:51
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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, 05/02/2010 06:51
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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, 04/02/2010 22:35
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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, 23/01/2010 23:15
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It was awesome. I knew Melanie would be incredible. Then entire Cast was superb. I will be seeing it again.
- Trinh, Boston, MA, 20/01/2010 16:39
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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, 18/01/2010 11:59
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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, 15/01/2010 07:44
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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, 15/12/2009 13:05
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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, 15/12/2009 08:30
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