Blood Brothers works its magic again in Malvern (From Hereford Times)

Blood Brothers works its magic again in Malvern

1:08pm Tuesday 2nd March 2010 in

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THE legendary Blood Brothers can be seen until Saturday, March 13 in Malvern, with Lyn Paul again in the lead role of Mrs Johnstone.

Every musical has its diehard fans, and having seen Blood Brothers for the third time, I have to declare my hand and say that it would always be my first choice. This is a show that never loses its power to move its audience first to tears and then onto its feet. It’s a tragedy on an epic scale, starting as it does with two young lives cut short and then rolling back in time to reveal the dark secret that will lead to their premature deaths. Mickey and Eddie are twins separated at birth, unknowingly reunited at seven, when they solemnly prick their thumbs and become blood brothers.

A great ensemble cast, led by Lyn Paul and with understudy David Cooper playing Mickey as if born to the part, made the magic happen again in Malvern on Monday night, the story delivered with boundless energy and heartfelt sincerity.

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe, a song that’s used to brilliant effect throughout, embodying joy and humour at the start, despair and hopelessnesss as Mickey’s life unravels, and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True. This epic tale of Liverpool life has been running in London’s West End since July 1988 and touring the UK since 1995. In the USA it was nominated for seven Tony Awards.

The publicity for the show urges anyone who hasn’t seen Blood Brothers to go, and those who have to go again - and they’re not wrong. My third time certainly won’t be the last.

Blood Brothers runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday, March 13. To book, call the box office on 01684 892277 or visit malvern-theatres.co.uk