The first professional musical to delight Fife audiences at the recently refurbished Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline is Bill Kenwright’s touring production of Willy Russell’s “Blood Brothers”.

In 1983 the phenomenon that is “Blood Brothers” started its life in the Liverpool Playhouse transferring 12 weeks later to the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End. Today 26 years later it is  still running in London and touring the UK “Blood Brothers” going from strength to strength with new cast members adding their own unique nuances to these endearing characters.

In this production we have the lovely Lyn Paul in the pivotal role of Mrs Johnstone. Ms Paul’s looks are perfect for this character especially considering the recurring Marilyn Monroe theme. Her vocals are superb, the lovely melodic tones of her singing voice and range of intonation of her speech fills the theatre with the comedy and pathos of the storyline.

The Blood Brothers in this case are Sean Jones as Mickey Johnstone and Simon Willmont as Eddie Lions. These two young men grow from seven year olds, through their youth to their teenage years and finally early twenties when the full tragedy brings their lives to a sudden end. Sean as Mickey has the naughty child and depressed adult down perfectly, the comedy of his ‘nearly eight’ contrasting with the ‘madman’ of his later years. Simon as Eddie’s beautiful rendition of ‘I’m not saying a word’ tugs at the heartstrings.

Anna Sambrooks as Linda is the very attractive girl who finds herself initially the best friend of both boys and latterly the unsuspecting catalyst with which Mrs Lyons (Paula Tappenden) seals the fate of the brothers.

Guiding us through the ups and downs of the characters whilst demonically steering us towards the explosive finale is Robbie Scotcher as the Narrator. Robbie’s voice is fabulous although I feel his narrator is not quite as menacing as others I have seen in the past almost giving more humanity to a character which is often seen as the incarnation of evil.

Other cast members are: Tim Churchill, Danny Taylor, Graham Martin, Polli Redston, Graeme Kinniburgh, Paul Davies, David Cooper and Olivia Sloyan. The brilliant band are Kelvin Towse, Jackson Baer, Adam Behrens, Phil Gostelow, Simon Pembery, Tony Bruce, Glenn Muscroft and David Pickles. Remembering the cast and musicians are supported by technicians, stage management, wardrobe and production staff.

Having seen the show several times I am always amazed how each cast manage to stamp their own unique individual interpretations on the production. I have never yet managed to watch Blood Brothers without a lump in my throat at the end and was obviously not the only one. Many people who came to see the first night had not seen the show before and the standing ovation just goes to show what an enjoyable evening it is and the number of first timers wanting to come back are a testimony of the quality of the writing, the production and the performers.

Blood Brothers is at the Alhambra in Dunfermline until Saturday the 3^rd October 2009.

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers at The Alhambra   

The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline