Letterkenny Pantomime Society in association with Letterkenny Gaels is staging Willy Russell’s legendary ‘Blood Brothers’ in Letterkenny Gaels’ clubhouse from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 6th April.
‘Blood Brothers’ tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth because their mother cannot afford to keep them, grow up in completely different environments, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
‘Blood Brothers’ is one of those rare exceptions in that it continues to pack a punch after so many years on the road and still continues to draw sell out audiences wherever it is staged.
Louise Flanagan playing Mrs Johnstone is the show’s lynchpin. She is the twins’ resilient, yet heartbroken mother. Louise’s performance is packed with experience and raw heartfelt emotion.
She is a definite Mrs Johnstone. Sarah Terry Sweeney presents the upper class Mrs Lyons as a victim rather than a villain. She has a sense of longing and deep pain. Sarah, who has a wealth of stage expertise and experiences, plays the part of Mrs Lyons with real pain and fear in her eyes.
Mickey, the twin which Mrs Johnstone keeps, is played by Richard O’Leary who is making his debut with the Pantomime Society. Richard appeared in the St Eunan’s College/Loreto Convent production of ‘Footloose’ and was hailed as a natural for the stage. His portrayal of Mickey will have you in howls of laiughter and tears of sorrow.
Playing alongside him will be Conor Duffy as Eddie, also making his debut with the Pantomime Society. Both Richard and Conor excel in their pitch perfect transition from childhood to adulthood and they achieve a great balance between comedy and pathos.
Laoise Crossan is a very strong Linda and although this is Laoise’s debut on stage she certainly makes the role her own especially in the more dramatic moments in Act Two. She is both strong and versatile in this difficult role.
Daithi Doherty, with a foreboding sense of dread, is powerful and unsettling as the all knowing and menacing narrator. Daithi has been a panto regular for the past number of years and he is really looking forward to playing the part in this production.
Brigette Kavanagh, who gave a memorable performance as Mrs Johnstone in the L.V.P. production a ‘few’ years ago returns to play the policewoman in this production. She has also taken the role of assistant director and is loving every minute of being involved. Pantomime stalwart, Garry Coll, is also assisting in the direction and he finds time to play the milkman and gynaecologist and although they are cameo roles, he gives them the full Coll treatment. Pat Slattery and James Patton also make cameo appearances.
‘Blood Brothers’ is directed by Patrick Doherty, assisted by Brigette Kavanagh and Garry Coll. The set is designed by Paddy O’Connor and executed by Tommy Kerr while lighting is by Martin McDonald.
‘Blood Brothers’ tugs at your heart strings and never lets go. Yet, it is funny and warm as well as being heart-rending. You will be s moved and involved in this story that you will no doubt be booking a return ticket.
Tickets are available from Mac’s Mace, High Road; Sweeney’s Spar Express, Ballyraine; and from the Parochial House, Church of the Irish Martyrs. Tickets must be collected before 5.p.m. on the day of the show.
Early booking is advised as there is a limited number of seats available for each performance.
