Willy Russell’s poetry-laden musical drama Blood Brothers opens tonight at Melbourne’s boutique theatre venue Chapel off Chapel. Manilla Street Productions has gathered a talented cast of singer actors to portray the gritty, ill-fated characters. Melbourne director Chris Parker has helmed the staging, with musical direction from Andrew Patterson and choreography from Stephen Agisialou.

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Chelsea Plumley stars as plucky battler Mrs Johnstone, mother of an ever-growing brood of children.

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Mrs Johnstone works for the wealthy Mrs Lyons (Glenda Linscott), a woman unable to have children of her own. The two women strike a fateful deal.

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Mrs Johnstone allows the desperate Mrs Lyons to bring up one of her new twin boys.

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Mrs Johnstone soon finds herself jobless as thanks for her troubles.

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Mickey Johnstone (Gareth Keegan) and Eddie Lyons (Matthew Bradford) become fast friends, and soon pledge themselves as blood brothers.

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The boys add local girl Linda (Lisa-Marie Parker)to their group of friends.

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The local children are easily amused.

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Finally some good news for the Johnstones – they are being re-housed to the country.

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The years go by, and fashions change. Mrs Johnstone finds herself much more relaxed at the new home.

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Older brother Sammy (Glaston Toft) is never out of trouble for long.

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Eddie attends grammar school…

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…while the Johnstone kids attend public school (with a surprisingly similar-looking teacher (Simon Wilton))

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Mickey dates, and later marries, Linda, while she and Eddie maintain a flicker of attraction as well.

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Mickey falls on hard times as Britain’s fortunes are altered.

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Mrs Lyon spills the beans about Linda and Eddie…

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…leading to the heavily foreshadowed final confrontation.

Blood Brothers also features Peter Hardy as Mr Lyons, and ensemble members Josh Ellwood, Martin Lane and Hilary Watts.

Blood Brothers plays 20 March – 6 April 2014 at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran.

Photos: Simon Parris

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Finally a couple of fun shots to ease the dramatic tension.

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