Blood Brothers UK Tour

Yes it is so well written by Willy Russell. A simple story with many strands running through it.

I did notice during the Madman scene, the Narrator was alot more careful in grabbing Lyn when she tried to run off as compared to Niki when I last saw the show, was quite literally swung about by the Narrator back in 2011 when I saw it.

Well I asked her about that too after the show and she figured it would end up being a whole conscience thing, or a red herring to what would actually happen.

Anyone else think the current tour Sammy (Danny Taylor) is a bit of alright ('spesh when he's got his Status Quo jacket on...)?

I need a recording of Lyn singing Tell Me It’s Not True at least.

I want Faye from Steps to do it. Maybe not yet though, when she’s a bit older.

Sarah Jane Buckley has been Mrs Lyons on last few tours and Lyn's understudy so must be in with a shout at getting the role.

Colleen would be interesting but with Loose Women and her magazine columns would she have time or want to go all around the country on a tour. Plus her TV and media work is likely well paid so would Bill offer her anything like that amount?

My guess is that Maureen Nolan may be back . She is free from end of May after her run in Menopause the Musical.

Saw it last night and whilst Lyn Paul was incredible, she was showing her age by the last scene.
It's been a few years since I've seen it and I felt pretty underwhelmed. Have there been changes to some of the orchestrations? There were bits I didn't remember from when I'd seen it previously, particularly in 'Take a Letter Miss Jones" and the band was far too loud on some songs, drowning out the vocals.
The narrator was awful, slurring lots of words so he just sounded a bit simple most of the time. And I've never had a problem with the adults as kids thing until but it only works if the actors aren't too old. It really was implausible last night, esp with Eddie.
On the plus side it looks like the set has had a freshen up.
I know it's coming but every time that gun shot gets me. I jumped right out of my seat and grabbed my other half. Glad I got to see it with Lyn before she rerires from the role but I don't think I'll be rushing to see it again anytime soon

Matthew Craig

I also saw this on Monday and sadly have to echo many of richey's thoughts.

It's one of my favourite shows and I've now seen it 13 times over the last 10 years, but something was missing on Monday.

Lyn Paul is great, but she is looking too old now. She's had a fantastic run with the show over the last 20 years and I hope she enjoys her retirement.

Still don't like Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Lyons. As richey said, she massively over acts. Annoying!

I've seen Mark Hutchinson as Eddie before and liked him, but I wasn't convinced this time. He does look far too old anyway, but I found his portrayal a little wooden this time. Perhaps an off day, but a shame nevertheless.

Didn't like Mathew Craig as the Narrator. He didn't have the commanding stage presence that Dean Chisnall (most recently) had...he was kinda just there. Good voice, but the accent wobbled at times and I thought his diction could have been better.

Nice to see Danny Taylor back as Sammy. He's fantastic in the role, but again does look about 20 years too old for it now.

Sean Jones gets away with the age thing, not sure why it's different for him! He's still fantastic in the role, and it's always a pleasure to see him perform.

I too noticed some changes in the orchestrations, particularly during the various iterations of Shoes Upon The Table. Does anyone know if there's definitely been an update or if it was just an over enthusiastic band on Monday?

Show is still great and I look forward to seeing it again next year, but I hope they recast some of the roles.

Yes here's hoping. Would love to see Linzi in this. She would be amazing.