Blood Brothers The Musical

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers Rating

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Ghostlight Theatre Co. is a community theatre group that enjoys pushing boundaries. Their latest offering, Blood Brothers, is a horror-tinged romp through 1960s England.

Blood Brothers is written by playwright Willy Russell, who is also the author of Educating Rita. The plot follows twin brothers, Eddie and Mickey, who split at birth and are raised in two different class spheres in the north of England, with consequences that rock their community.

The show’s main cast was mostly quite young and gaining valuable experience from the more seasoned actors in the crew- and they were clearly having a fantastic time on stage.

A standout performer with an absolutely gorgeous voice was Elissa Holswich. She merrily played the devilish narrator alongside a host of other minor roles with flair. Her voice is outstanding and such a highlight of the show.

The relationship between the neighbourhood children was both fun and well choreographed, with the show’s chorus shining in several song and dance sequences. The audience was also able to sympathise with belaboured single mum Mrs Johnston, played by Hannah Davis.

This is a long show, with a run time of almost 3 hours, including intervals. However, you’ll enjoy Blood Brothers if you enjoy musicals, especially those with some supernatural flair and 1960s themes and costumes.

It is currently showing at Theatre 102 in Redcliffe until May 4th, 2024. There is a small bar with snacks and drinks on-site, as well as plenty of parking.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Devilishly Pleasing – The History Of The Devil

The History of the Devil

When looking at titles at Metro Arts this month, The History Of The Devil, presented by Polymorphic Productions, is one that was of immediate interest to any horror lover, especially when seeing the playwright’s name. Clive Barker is a UK-based, iconic horror writer known for his wit, gritty characters and tackling taboo subjects- and this play, performed at the Metro Arts New Benner Theatre, was no exception.

From the outset, the audience was warned of adult themes, including sexual assault, racism and coarse language. The set was of a bare-bones design, as the story, both geographically and historically, time travelled, so the use of lighting and sound created the atmosphere. They took the audience from the UK to Kenya in believable fashions, and although sometimes the sound obscured voices, the strategy was very effective.

The story revolves around the Devil’s desire to return to Heaven, but he must first face a trial for his actions on Earth. Witness the courtroom drama as Judge Popper, defence attorney Sam Kyle, and chief prosecutor Catherine Lamb engage in a high-stakes legal battle over the fate of the Devil.

Outstanding and charismatic performances came from the cast, but especially from Connor Scoble as the Devil himself and Lisa Hickey as Ms Lamb, the passionate lawyer (among other characters). They made this play fast-moving, funny and enjoyable to watch.

With all actors playing at least two roles, this was a complex, moving feast and the transitions were played flawlessly between scenes, with virtually seamless characters and costume changes. It was hard to believe the high skill level on display, given this was the first showing.

I recommend The History Of The Devil to anyone who is open to delving into the darker themes mentioned to get down and see the History of the Devil. This was an excellently staged, witty play, and you’re in expert hands with this cast and crew.

Dates:- 28th Nov – 16th Dec
Duration:- Approximately 170 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Age:- Recommended for ages 15+
Session Dates/Times:-

  • Tuesday, 28 Nov 2023, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023, 7:00pm
  • Thursday, 30 Nov 2023, 7:00pm
  • Friday, 1 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 2 Dec 2023, 2:00pm MATINEE
  • Saturday, 2 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Tuesday, 5 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, 6 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Thursday, 7 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Friday, 8 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 9 Dec 2023, 2:00pm MATINEE
  • Saturday, 9 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Tuesday, 12 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, 13 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Thursday, 14 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Friday, 15 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 16 Dec 2023, 2:00pm MATINEE
  • Saturday, 16 Dec 2023, 7:00pm

Coarse Language, Horror, Mature and controversial themes, Morbid Humor, Offensive language, References and depictions of Sexual Assault, Religious themes, Themes of trauma, Violence, Haze/smoke effects, Loud Noises, Strobe Lighting Effects, Please note a lockout period applies. Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break in the performance.

Photography: Emma Stratton dilemmazdigitals@gmail.com

Check out more reviews here at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.