Blood Brothers - performed March 2010

By Willy Russell

Performed with the kind permission of Samuel French

Director - Val Taylor

The musical Blood Brothers has been running for 21 years in the west End and I just couldn`t wait any longer to direct it. I have seen it 6 times myself; so you can imagine how excited I am at the thought of putting it on at the Manifest. Because it is still playing in London Willy Russell does not allow us to use all of the songs, otherwise it is exactly the same show.

Cast

(in order of appearance)

Narrator Joseph Sales

Mrs Johnstone Caroline Roberts

Mrs Lyons Amanda Rowe

Mickey Adam Duarte-Dias

Eddie Paul Reed

Linda Jo Parrick

All other parts Matthew Barrot
Luke Duarte-Dias
Daniel Humphreys
Ryan Hynes
Annabelle Jacobs
Ali Mercer
Gordon Prior
Alan Wheeler

Production Team

Val Taylor, Jude Hussey, Patience Ling, Bruce Emeny, Andy Terry, Daniel Humphreys, Derek Butcher, Glyn Hill, Gloria Streames, Phil Chatfield, Roger Davies, Angentia Hardy-Teekens, Annabelle Jacobs, Caroline Roberts, John Roberts, Lester Pearse, Kerry King, Viv Wheatley, Yvonne Cobbold, Chris Sadd, Kate Sheffield, Tom Cross, Chris Mason, Dave & Mandy Rose, Steve Sadler and other volunteers not mentioned.

The Play

Set in the slums of Liverpool, the play focuses on the Johnston twins who are separated at birth and grow up at opposite ends of the social spectrum. They later meet, become friends and fall in love with the same girl, with tragic consequences.

Reviews

Funny and yet sad, but always compelling viewing
This latest production by the Manifest Theatre Group certainly held the audience's attention to the end. Blood Brothers by Wily Russell, tells the tragic story of twin brothers, who were separated at birth and only meet up again as adults, with tragic consequences.

The fast moving and entertaining two-act play, produced and directed by Val Taylor, gave several younger members of the group the chance to show their ability and they certainly proved what a wealth of talent there is in the area.

Adam Duarter-Dias, who has appeared in several productions at Manningtree's Manifest Theatre, proved a real star, just slightly out-shining his "twin" Paul Reed. They were well supported by Jo Parrick and other youngsters, while the two older thespians, Caroline Roberts and Amanda Rowe, gave the usual polished performances, for which they have become renowned. Lesley Pallett