 |
Ben, is Blood Brothers your first
major theatre production in Peel aside from the Christmas Panto? |
| Ben |
Blood Brothers is the first production performed
by 'Inspiration', a new theatre company based in Peel founded
by a few members of the 'Peel Pantoloons'. For many years, we had
been very keen do produce more drama for the stage in Peel, so with
the continued success of the panto and the re-birth of the Centenary
Centre, we thought that now is the ideal time to be providing this
sort of entertainment. The cast of Blood Brothers includes some extremely
talented and experienced performers, both from the Pantoloons and from other dramatic societies on the island and its brilliant
to have the opportunity to perform something so different to the
panto. |
|
Why did you choose to produce Blood Brothers? |
| Ben |
I first saw Blood Brothers last
year in London's West End and nothing could have prepared me for
the theatrical experience I went through that night! I laughed, cried,
applauded and was absolutely bowled over by what I saw! 'I want to
produce that in Peel' is what I said when I left the theatre, such
was the impact the show had on me. So, when the rights for the play
version became available earlier this year, it was the obvious choice
for Inspiration's inaugural
production. A highly emotive, roller coaster of a play, it combines
wonderful Scouse humour with ultimate tragedy ... quite a challenge
to perform! |
|
Can you tell us a bit about what to expect? |
| Ben |
Blood Brothers, set in Liverpool,
begins in the early 1960s and tells the story of the Johnstone twins,
separated at birth because their mother couldn't afford to keep both
of them. The twin she keeps (Mickey) grows up in very hard, working
class surroundings while the twin she secretly gives away (Eddie)
goes to a very rich family and grows up with everything a child could
want. By a twist of fate, the boys meet up at seven years of age
and the rest of the story follows their friendship through their
care-free childhood and teenage years to the harsh realities
of adult life, the difference in their class and lifestyles ultimately
tearing them apart. |
|
Why are you bringing it back so soon? |
| Ben |
Well, the play is back by popular demand
to the response we had to our first run last month. We were absolutely
overwhelmed by the reaction from our audiences, so we felt that
we just had to do a second run. Once word had gone round last month,
we were thrilled to play to sell out houses and we hope that tickets
will sell out even quicker this time. It's wonderful that people
from all over the island are so supportive of live theatre in Peel. |
|
Isn't it great that Peel now has the facility
to host events such as this? |
| Ben |
It is so exciting for Peel and the west that
we now have the fantastic facilities at the Centenary Centre to enable
us to put on this kind of entertainment. Eighteen months ago it would
not have been possible and now, due to the hard work and dedication
of the Centenary team, the people of Peel are able to enjoy a theatre
and arts centre on their very own doorstep. It's the variety of events
that have already been staged that is amazing - everything from poetry
to panto! Also, the weekly events such as yoga, dance classes, aerobics
and many more are providing recreation on a weekly basis. We hope
to welcome many more shows and events to the Centenary stage in the
future. Next month, a production of John Godber's acclaimed play
'Bouncers' is being performed by Ballakermeen Drama Group and features
two actors from 'Blood Brothers'. Tickets will be on sale in Cowleys
Pharmacy soon - the performance dates are Friday 10th and Saturday
11th September. |
|
Thanks Ben, we hope it goes well, and the
best of luck for your future endeavors. |
| Ben |
On a final note, I'd like to pay tribute
to our very talented cast and crew who have worked so hard to make
this very challenging show such a success. Also, thanks to our audiences
who have taken this show to their hearts and allowed us the opportunity
to stage Blood Brothers once again. |
