Blood Brothers, the musical.

Well, in 2006, I went to see Blood Brothers for my first time in London's West End with my drama group, not having a clue what it was about, who was in it or whether I'd like it or not. However, Maureen Nolan, my first Mrs. Johnstone, sold it there and then on that Monday evening and I loved it from that day on.

Saturday matinee, 21st February, 2009, and now nearly three years on, it's my 8th time of seeing it, and I get to see Maureen Nolan in it for my first time, since 2006. After all of the great Mrs. Johnstones I've seen, such as Marti Webb, Lyn Paul, Niki Evans and Vivienne Carlyle, I have to say that Maureen Nolan is still my favourite.

She has power, but still a motherly quality about her; an unforgettable voice; superb acting skills and a certain humour to match it, which all fits in nicely against a dark Liverpool backdrop hanging in the gorgeous Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield. She isn't afraid to show emotion, especially as she was choking up int he final plea to the audience in Tell Me It's Not True.- A perfect performance from her, and she was lovely when I met her afterwards. (Thanks for the script).

Other performers that stood out were the usual Sean Jones, Simon Willmont and Graham Martin in believable performances which just shows how versatile they really are; especially Sean Jones who makes the show for many. New narrator, Robbie Scotcher is a nice change to the more dark and gritty Keith Burns, but still having that stage prescence and haunting voice that dooms the central characters right from the overture. This more active narrator, although not my favourute as of yet, is a refreshing new member to the cast. Other new performers who impressed were Tracy Spencer and Tim Chuchill as Mrs. Lyons and Mr. Lyons. They both are believable, which is hard to grasp in roles that are quite easy to overplay. Tracy Spencer also had a certain warmth in act 1, adding a touch of comedy that I haven't seen before, in her role.

One cast member that didn't impress up to her predocessors Linzi Matthews and Suzanne Carley was Anna Sambrooks, as the unsung love of Mickey and Eddie- Linda. She is quite new to the role, and I felt that there was something missing from her, but that I'm sure she will get.

London. Mixed.

"A Miracle. Still Unmissable and Unbeatable."    - The Spectator.

"The best musical in the West End."                   - Daily Mirror.

"Once is not enough. See it and you'll be queuing to return."                                           - LBC.

"Gripping, gritty and superbly hummable. It's a must."                                                                - Mail On Sunday.

"If you have to steal an usherettes uniform to get in - do it."                                                      - Today.

"One of the best musicals ever...vibrantly and grippingly alive!                                                   - Sunday Times.

"Necessary as well as entertaining. I was gobsmacked."                                                       - The Observer.