"A WONDERFUL PRODUCTION. I had seen this show in London & I believe our local production is every bit as compelling. The cast is outstanding–particularly Terra MacLeod and John Mann. I sincerely hope a couple of negative reviews will not prevent people from attending this show. WELL DONE!" —T.M., Vancouver

"My daughter and I were at the show on December 1, 2011–it was absolutely wonderful–the drama–the music were exhilarating. I would tell anyone who asks to go and see this show" —Renee, North Vancouver

"It was a wonderful production and I'm so glad we didn't miss it" —Sylvia and Don, Richmond

"Fabulous show. I saw a horrible review in the Sun and was apprehensive but the person who wrote that review must have been on another planet! Actors did an amazing job of being children and changing accordingly as they grew up. Both the mother and narrator were accomplished singers and did portray their characters well. We thoroughly enjoyed the production and my husband said ‘I don't usually feel compelled to give a standing ovation but I did tonight’" —Darlene, North Vancouver

"Wow! Even the teenagers loved it! It was funny, sad, haunting, eventful, and kept us engaged the entire time. John Mann was uncanny in his many roles. We loved that he turned from a milk man into a Doctor. That really made us laugh! Recommend this to any family" —Rose, Coquitlam

"The script, storyline, acting, and production produced a wonderful evening of entertainment. I am still personally touched by the story line today! Well done" —Guy-Rejean, Vancouver

"Wonderful performances!! The cast truly deserved the standing ovation they received. The Sun reviewer needs a different job–he seems to have an extremely limited imagination!" —Judi, Vancouver

"The show was amazing....we had two tickets and decides to get 2 more for our children/teens. We laughed, cried, and we had fun. The narrator and acting was superb. I loved the show and highly recommend seeing it! Bravo"
—Marny, Surrey

"Loved the show. John Mann is spectacular. Recommending it to everyone"
—Pamela

"Excellent.... We all thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so we are thinking about going again. After a few consecutive "misses" at the Arts Club, Blood Brothers is just great. The music was still playing in my head this AM. Strong performances by the mother, Eddie, and the narrator were the highlights for me. A most enjoyable evening.... Again, excellent"
—David, Vancouver

"Standing ovation to the cast & crew of Blood Brothers. We felt lucky to be among those in the audience! The musical narrative is powerful and moving...an absolute success!"
—Cora, Vancouver

"This is a MUST NOT MISS show. The cast is extremely strong and brings the story to life. John Mann never fades into the shadows–not in character or when he's singing. The brother’s lives, though different, intersect in such a tragic way. It's funny what happens in life"
—Caitlin

"One of your best. All four of us really enjoyed it"
—Gary

"It was great all four of us enjoyed it immensely. Have already recommended it to friends"
—Ian

"We thoroughly enjoyed Blood Brothers and congratulate the Arts Club on an excellent play selection. John Mann and Terra MacLeod delivered outstanding performances and they were complemented by a strong supporting cast. The calibre of production compares well to plays we have seen in London and New York. Keep up the good work and please give us more like this one"
—Richard

"I have to admit – I didn’t have high hopes based on the name of the play (as I didn't know the storyline at all). When I learned it was a musical, I did not think that fit the title either. However, Blood Brothers it was one of the very best plays that we’ve seen in 3 years of being season ticket holders, and possibly one of the best plays any of us have seen. It didn't lose our attention for a split second and had all four of us engrossed and completely engaged. It was awesome!"
—Candace, Vancouver

"Overall an enjoyable well balanced show. Lots of movement, great directing. A bit of a melodrama, but I like melodramas. Liverpudlian accents need some work. It was only the second night & I'm sure the production will continue to develop All ensemble great. John Mann's stage presence anchors the play & links the action, Terra MacLeod & Adam Charles shone. Highly recommended"
—Ralph, Chilliwack

"I go to the theatre to be moved and I was moved to tears by this show. The characters grabbed me and didn't let go. The singing of all four leads was simply stunning with the female lead blowing the doors off the Grandville Island Stage. The set was perhaps the most visually interesting and well used as I have seen recently. Should you go and see Blood Brothers? Yes, Yes and Yes"
—Darren, Burnaby

"Great production. A different type of play than we were used to and the ending was stunning. Five out of five"
—Bill, Delta

"My daughter and I loved it. Music was excellent, voices wonderful. I particularly liked the set. My daughter particularly loved the versatility of the actors with the range of ages played. Best of luck on a successful run"
—Bonita

"This is a fabulous performance of Blood Brothers. I saw it first in London about 13 years ago and was so moved by the story and performance. Last night was definitely comparable. John Mann is more than perfect as the narrator. I recommend everyone take in this production as they will not be disappointed"
—Darlene, Delta

"Very entertaining... The storyline was captivating… Strongly recommended"
—Gloria, Port Moody

"Beautiful music. Touching story. Well done by all!"
—Julia, Vancouver

"The program has quoted that, "Blood Brother's is the musical for those who don't like musicals." I agree. It feels rock and roll. It really is barely noticeable that they are singing their dialogues and thoughts. Blood Brothers is a musical/play about twins who are separated at birth. The one adopted has lived a privileged life, the other, not so much, in fact, he belonged to an impoverished family. I love how they have paralleled songs about Marilyn Monroe's life to the story line. Very effective but eventually melancholic.

The most memorable thing about this performance for me is John Mann. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know him or his work at all (Spirit of the West). He plays this somewhat devil like narrator. He's fantastic–he reminds me of the butler in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, but in sexy kind of Seal kind of way. He sang in this commanding, concise but hypnotic devilish cadence"
—Liza

"Truly amazing the acting, singing, and the story was so powerful. Out of last year and this year it is my favorite so far. Thank you so much"
—Sandra, Delta

"I'm a Blood Brothers afficianado–I first saw the play years ago in London's West End, starring Kiki Dee. A few years later, I saw it in New York, starring Petula Clark and the Cassidy twins. I was very impressed with the Arts Club production–I thought it was world class. The intimate venue in Granville Island makes the play even more powerful. Terra C. MacLeod was a tour de force"
—Jeff, Vancouver

"Blood Brothers was totally fabulous; a great production–I truly enjoyed the entire cast. ‘A must see’!"
—Elaine, Burnaby

"An absolutely fantastic production. It was moving from start to finish, when I cried. I saw it the first night it was open and the audience responded in a very positive way. It is a play I would very happily see again"
—Billie, Port Moody

"Fantastic production! The cast were all amazing especially John Mann and the lady who played the mother of the twins (what an amazing voice). Thanks for a very entertaining night!"
—Heather, Burnaby

Reviews

"A ripping good yarn" —Jerry Wasserman, The Province

"Exceptional talent…interspersed beautifully with hilarious scenes that elicit joyful gasps from the audience" —Susan Peake, Review Vancouver

"Simply exquisite…a performance that brought down the house and the audience to their feet!" —Dan Culic, Homorazzi.com

"A miracle. Unmissable and unbeatable" —The Spectator

"Brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring approval" —Daily Mirror

"Gripping, gritty and superb. It’s a must" —Evening Standard

"Necessary as well as entertaining. I was gobsmacked" —The Observer

"The greatest musical of the decade" —International Herald Tribune

"One of the best British musicals ever…vibrantly and grippingly alive" —Sunday Times

Behind The Scenes

Introducing…Blood Brothers

Interview with co-director Bob Frazer

Design Challenge: Blood Brothers

Artistic team

Music, book, and lyrics by Willy Russell
Starring Adam Charles, Terra C. MacLeod, John Mann, Shane Snow, with Lucas Blaney, Lauren Bowler, Briana Buckmaster, Meghan Gardiner, Becky Hachey, Warren Kimmel, Ashley O’Connell, Jameson Parker
Directors Bob Frazer and Sara-Jeanne Hosie
Musical Director Sasha Niechoda
Musicians Buff Allen, Ken Cormier, Sasha Niechoda
Set Designer Ted Roberts
Lighting Designer Marsha Sibthorpe
Costume Designer Naomi Sider
Sound Designer Andrew Tugwell
Fight Director Kevin K. James
Stage Manager Angela Beaulieu
Assistant Stage Manager Ronaye Haynes

Downloads

House Programme