Blood Brothers

Marina Theatre, Lowestoft

A standing ovation greeted the end of Willy Russell's musical Blood Brothers, at the Marina Theatre.

Mrs Johnston, brilliantly played by Linda Nolan, already has seven children and is pregnant with twins when her husband leaves her for another woman.

Unable to make ends meet, she agrees to give one away to her employer Mrs Lyons, cleverly portrayed by Vanessa Clarke.

As the boys grow up they meet and their lives become inextricably entwined with fatal consequences.

The brothers were magnificently portrayed by Craig Whiteley, as Eddie, and Stephen Palfreman, as Mickey.

The first half combines the pathos of a mother trying to do the best for her children with the natural comedy of children as they grow up, become best friends and have no concept of the idea of “class”.

Stephen Palfreman was riveting as the brother who lived hand to mouth, growing up on the rough side of town, while Craig Whiteley was perfect as his opposite, the boy with everything and whose future was secure.

The shocking finale is brilliantly staged and choreographed - you need to see it to believe it.

t Runs until Saturday, March 31.