Blood Brothers

Central Coast based Nate Butler’s studio has grown over the past five years - from a vocal coaching (specialising in musical theatre) to this year launching as a legit training facility for fully accredited Certificate IV and Diploma courses in Musical Theatre. Despite the youth of the students, the studio has compiled a formidable and challenging program of shows for the 2016 season, kicking off in April with Parade. The next production will be the Coast premiere of Avenue Q. Coastie audiences could definitely be forgiven for thinking they are not in Kansas anymore.  

First written as a school play in the early 80s, the revised and updated musical version of Blood Brothers grew to become a critically acclaimed hit. Set in the 1960s - it tells the story of the financially struggling and very fertile Mrs Johnstone, who works as a maid to support her ever-growing family. Finding herself pregnant with twins, she is convinced by her wealthy but childless employer (Mrs Lyons) to part with one of her babies. While the mothers do their best to keep the boys apart, fate conspires to bring them together as close friends and we watch them encounter the usual growing pains (and joy) amid the extreme class struggles of the times. The delightful interaction of the boys as children provides light relief ahead of the shockingly dramatic denouement awaiting them in adulthood. In fact, not many plays provide such as much of a challenging ‘arc’ as this one does for the actors given the task of playing the eponymous brothers.

The role of Mickey - the brother who seemingly ‘won’ the toss by not being separated from his natural mother - is undoubtedly the most demanding role vis a vis the character’s evolution from cheeky, exuberant six year old, to rebellious teenager, to down-trodden, depressed and volatile drug addict in his early 20s. Nick Geddes’ provides a passionate and fearless performance well beyond his years. Meanwhile, the richer brother, Eddie is called upon to exude pure innocence to provide perfect contrast and Ben Poole achieves this with genuine warmth and cheeky humour.

The gut-wrenching central role of Mrs Johnstone is played by Zoe McDonald, whose polished, nuanced performance matched her beautifully-measured vocals. Luisa Manosa is beguiling and dynamic as the Narrator.

The poise and versatility of the entire ensemble are all worthy of high individual praise. The minimalist set proved perfect for the very confined space ensuring that the innumerable, quick scene changes, came about remarkably seamlessly. With all of this supported by brisk, unobtrusive musical direction this production ended up feeling so much 'bigger' in every way. This was in no doubt due to the solid performances of the entire cast. The directors and tutors at the studio can be justifiably proud of the high standard of this production. 

Rose Cooper