Review Blood Brothers Spotlight Theatre,

July 6 - July 28  The hit West End musical by Willy Russell which has been running for 20years  "BLOOD BROTHERS"  Directed by Clem Halpin  By special arrangement with Dominies Pty Ltd  Spotlight Theatre, 187 Ashmore Rd. Benowa. Book 5539 4255 REVIEW 20th JULY 2007 Blood Brothers by Willy Russell currently showing at Spotlight Theatre, Benowa is a musical play that has had astounding success with standing ovations worldwide for over twenty years. Russell has encapsulated into this drama all the emotional trauma of grief and guilt when a mother under duress gives away a child. The separation of twins at birth, in this often designated melodrama set in Liverpool, England, allows the exploration of a number of social issues and in particular the class system and nature versus nurture. Russell skilfully uses the narrator, almost as the villain, to comment and create the atmosphere as the events unfold and the protagonists are revealed. Highly experienced Director, Clem Halpin, after undergoing a quadruple-bypass in the early stages of rehearsal, has miraculously, in the recovery period of his illness, created a wonderful show and audience members were highly appreciative. The set was cleverly constructed and artistically pleasing and Halpin’s superb design work and blocking ensured slick action with actors placed in focussed positions throughout the production. Internationally renowned Music Producer, Ian Franklin, created an aesthetically pleasing musical sound. David McNeven, Vocal Coach, had worked well with the singers and there was some very nice harmony work in this theatrical piece. Choreography by Hayley Booth was simple but effective. Costumiers, Kate Tardy and Shelley Halpin with their creativity and visualisation added impact to this production especially with the costuming of the children played by adults. The greatest challenge of this production is the performance demands made of the twins Mickey Johnstone (Sean Curran) and Edward Lyons (Josh Lovell) – both playing the dual roles of children at varying ages and then adults. Both Curran and Lovell as children were entertaining, delightful and demonstrated superb acting skills. They were the highlight of the production. Curran displays an innate ability to assume a role and create total believability. His characterisation of the adult Mickey was superb. Lovell also demonstrates excellent focus and a wide range of acting skills. The boys together created some very magical moments. Linda (Ashley Tardy) also demonstrated keen skills as an actor playing dual roles. The narrator (Terry Stewart) gave a memorable performance and Mrs Johnstone (Ann McMahon) delighted with her beautifully lyrical singing voice, pleasing harmony work and very natural characterisation of the mother. Mrs Lyons (Helen Madden) was quite outstanding as the guilt ridden “other” mother. She was emotionally in contact with this character creating audience empathy but also hostility and horror as her “secret fear” consumed her and led her on a certain path of personal destruction with tragic consequences. She was ably supported by Mr Lyons (Bob Allen) who gave a very realistic and controlled performance. Sammy Johnstone (Luke Sims) effectively played the errant older brother destined for a life of crime and Donna Marie Johnstone (Michelle Watkins) was convincing as the sister. The ensemble (Gail Murphy, Tanele Graham, Ricky Moss, Annabel Beauchamp, Nathan Hamilton, Lisa-Jayne Smallman, Paul Sauer and Peter Kennedy) worked well to create the numerous characters and chorus scenes. Reviewer: Annie Lotocki