review theatre: Blood Brothers | Phoenix Theatre | Melanie Chisholm | Mel C | Sporty Spice | Mrs Johnstone | Phillip Stewart | Willy Russell

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The Review - THEATRE by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 26 November 2009

Melanie Chisholm as Mrs Johnstone and narrator Philip Stewart

Brothers a must-see show thanks to Mel

BLOOD BROTHERS
Phoenix Theatre

SHE once wore tracksuits and scraped her hair back into high ponytails.
Now former Sporty Spice Melanie Chisholm is playing someone who could quite easily have been the mother of her alter ego, in Willy Russell’s Liverpool-based tale of twins separated at birth – Blood Brothers.
All opening-night eyes were on Mel C’s portrayal of Mrs Johnstone, a struggling single mother of seven living on the “never never” and forced to give up one of her sons.
And she didn’t disappoint. Mel C is likeable, convincing and fittingly formidable even as she crumbles under the pain of her loss in the final shattering scene, which is where she finally earns her place on merit. But it was not all smooth going. Although she can sing, her voice isn’t necessarily attractive, and her arms hang limply by her sides for large swathes of the show – a clichéd stance for many a musical character launching into reverie.
And in parts the backing track drowned her vocals, as it did narrator Philip Stewart, who skulked around the stage with the same suits and menace of Coronation Street’s murderous factory owner Tony Gordon.
So in the end it was Mel C’s acting that won through.
She epitomised the familiar Scouse matriarch’s battle against hard luck and superstition while maintaining an overwhelming love and guiding hand for her children.
Sean Jones and Richard Reynard who played the twins were spot on with comic timing, though hard to warm to as adults playing children.
But when they grow up, and a girl becomes the focus of their attentions, the audience became engrossed.
And as it builds and builds to the inevitable, Mel C takes you with her, until you can barely watch as the torn apart brothers face each other one last time.
It is on this final scene that Mel C proves she has won the role on her own merit.
Until July 31
020 7492 1593

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