Willy Russell’s classic musical set in his home town of Liverpool tells a tale of two twins parted at birth, who are then reunited as adults. Without trying too hard it ex0plores the nature versus nurture argument, seeing how our environment and upbringing dictates our character and behaviour as opposed to this being innately natural.
Mrs Johnstone (in a scintillating performance by Lyn Paul) is a struggling working class single mum struggling to make ends meet. So when her childless employer offers a wad of cash in exchange for one of the expected twins she is forced to take the offer or go under. But when she sees the baby in the pram her heart is changed – but too late. As the Narrator (Kristofer Harding) foretells this means misfortune for all involved in the desperate deal, and throughout he remains a dark figure in the background telling of impending doom.
The remaining twin Micky is played by Sean Jones with verve and veracity conjuring a youngster’s life in the rough end of town. He falls in love with Linda, though he finds it impossible to express his feelings (Danielle Corlass captures with vibrant energy the carefree flirty girl). But the other twin Eddie is brought up in a petit bourgeois household and Joel Benedict reveals all the character’s naïve nature and the differences such an upbringing forges in him.
Andy Walmsley’s functional but decorative design allows the action to unfold gradually from the slums to the more suburban scenes. While the music is world-class and very moving, especially at the denouement which is inevitably tragic. Take tissues but be prepared for a laugh out loud too.
Reviewed by Rich Jevons on 28th March at Grand Theatre, Leeds where it runs until 2nd April. Then touring see http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=590