Blood Brothers
September 2007
Set in Liverpool in the 1950’s, Blood Brothers tells the story of a mother’s anguish when, due to the economic climate, she is forced to give one of her twin babies up for adoption.
The play follows the boys’ upbringing over the first 30 years of their lives. Edward joins an upper class family where his every need is tended, Mickey remains part of a large working class family and times are hard. Blood Brothers focusses on the difference and conflicts between their upbringings, their relationships with each other and, in turn, their real and adopted mothers.
The Narrator tells the story and is cynical and captivating to provide a contrast. The cast are energetic and creative with good strong characters, pushing their skills to the limit as they perform a multitude of characters through three decades! This is a full-length play with simple set, scenery and properties, but it gets its real charm from the intricate sound and lighting plots and lavish costumes which span the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
This play has been a great experience for the cast, stretching abilities and creativity to the limits and has certainly proved a positive challenge for myself as Director.
Blood Brothers touches all of the senses – it will make you laugh, it will make you cry … it will leave you speechless.
Cast
Mrs Johnstone
Penny Oliver
Mrs Lyons
Maxine Evans
Mickey
Adam Hillier
Eddie
Mark Jones
Narrator
Ian Francis
Linda / Chorus
Lucy Knight
Policewoman / Chorus / Kid 1
Julie Allwright
Policeman / Chorus / Kid 2
Martyn Lilley
Policewoman / Kid 3 & 4 / Chorus
Hannah Daniels
Policeman / Doctor / Milkman / Husband / Chorus
Keith Popely
Crew
Production Manager
Paul Robbins
Director
Jo Travers-Brown
Stage Manager
Jonathan Shadlock
Stage Crew & Set Construction
Nick Shadlock
David Winfield
Fred Soneya
Dan Cooper
Natalie Rozanski
Lighting Designer / Operator
Chris Glenton
Sound Design
Jo Travers-Brown
Scott Andrews
Sound Editor / Operator
Scott Andrews
Properties
Lauren Bachman
Lynda Collins
Wardrobe Mistress
Lauren Bachman
Wardrobe Assistant
Maxine Evans
Accent Coach
Simon Ockenden
Front Of House Manager (Buckden)
Ian Jackson
Front Of House Manager (Priory Centre)
Don McKay
Front Of House
Helpers Members of St Neots Players & VAMPS
Publicity & Marketing
Ian Francis
Christine Suggars
Members of the Players
Signage Design & Creation
Karen & Ian Jackson
Poster/Banner/Programme Cover Design
Ian Francis
Programme Design, Editing & Printing
Christine Suggars
Box Office
Ian Francis
Buckden Village Hall
St Neots Priory Centre