Notes

On the 8th November 2017, we went to watch a performance of Blood Brothers written by Willy Russell at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton. The performance was a matinee. It is about two twins that are separated at birth by their mother, Mrs Johnstone, into an upper class and lower class family. When the twins eventually find out that they are in fact twins it is too late. Mrs Johnstone makes a binding agreement that once she gives birth to the twins she will give one away to Mrs Lyons. She makes a promise on the bible which shows she is religious in some way. The second the baby is given too Mrs Lyons, the relationship between her and Mrs Johnstone worsens. This was conveyed by the narrator as he appeared frequently, as if he was in Mrs Lyon's head and she was going mad thinking the baby knew she was not its real mother. It is not until later on in the play, that Mrs Johnstone notices the narrator. Mrs Lyons becomes increasingly jealous and eventually fires Mrs Johnstone. The narrator lists a whole passage about superstition by saying:
'Shoes upon the table,
the salt's been spilled,
someone broke the looking glass'.
The idea of class comes into Willy Russell's play, as when they get caught by the police, Mickeys punishment is a lot worse, with threats or court and prison, whereas Eddie is taken home with a smile.
Lighting brought emotion to the scenes. Fairy lights were used at the beginning on the top of the city backdrop, this created a town/city like atmosphere. From this it felt like that they lived in a very busy and overpopulated area.
The costumes when Linda and Mickey's relationship is falling apart reflects the mood of both characters. Linda wears a dark jumper and dark trousers with her hair hanging limp around her shoulders.
The voice skills that Mickey used when Linda and him argued over the drugs made it more real. He spoke in a very monotone voice compared to his normal excited and bubbly voice.
Mickeys facial expressions throughout the whole play was key. As a child they were much more cheeky and impulsive as a teenager, as a teenager he often looked shy and embarrassed and as an adult he looked extremely stressed and miserable.
In the Lyons house everything was spaced out which made it look bigger. They extended the duration of the play, too keep the audience in suspense. This creates tension throughout the play, because it feels as if you know more information than them.
Mrs Johnstone is lower class, lower class people are often superstitious, because of the lack of money and unlucky lifestyle they have, they tend to believe in fate and bad luck.
This theme is key throughout the play. Mrs Lyons then says to Mrs Johnstone:
"They say that if either twin learns he was one of a pair they shall both die immediately".
This plays on her superstitious beliefs.
Another key theme in the play is Marilyn Monroe. She is frequently brought up in the play. Each time referring to a different aspect in her life. Mrs Johnstone enjoys the glamour of Marilyn's public image. This could also link to later in the play as Mickey becomes addicted to anti-depressants, this could also link to Monroe's depression.
When Mickey pulls a gun on Eddie, the audience goes into silence. This creates a tense atmosphere. Mickey, who had been lapsing into despair, becomes uncontrollable with rage:
"Why didn't you give me away! I could have been...him!".
The play ends with Mrs Johnstone left singing: "Tell me its not true".
At the start of the play, the narrator invites the audience to judge Mrs Johnstone.
At the end of the play, he asks them a different question:
"and do we blame superstition for what came to pass? or could it be what we, the English, have come to know as 'class'?".