Try the *other* Blood Brothers: a musical spin on a tale of twins

Are you ready for a roller coaster ride with plenty of ups and downs, humour and sadness, love and hate and rich and poor? Written by Willy Russell and directed by Alida Chaney, the musical Blood Brothers comes to Limelight Theatre this November and December with plenty of memorable dialogue and songs. Loosely based on the 1844 novella The Corsican Brothers by Alexandre Dumas, it’s set in Liverpool in the late 1950s and follows the life of twins, one who had to be given up at birth. Blood Brothers won the Olivier Award for best new musical in 1983 and the current West End revival is one of the longest-running musical productions in history, opening in 1988 and still going. Chaney said the show was close to her heart, after seeing the production in London many years ago. “I’ve seen it twice since and it always has the same impact on me,” she said. “It’s not a traditional musical – it’s more a play with music that has all the elements I enjoy.” With Blood Brothers, it’s no secret there’s another Perth production on at the moment – but it’s something Chaney has embraced. “I am opting for a more traditional Blood Brothers set, very like the London productions, my cast are all brushing up on their Scouse accents and, although I have a few innovative ideas I am implementing, it will be how writer Willy Russell intended," she said. Blood Brothers plays at 8pm, November 24, 25, 26, December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10. Tickets are $26, $21 concession – book on 9571 8591 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or online at www.limelighttheatre.com. Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.