Drama notes for Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.

* A blue light appeared at the end when the narrator came on to the stage and sang.

* To illustrate the madness of Mrs Lyons in song flashing lights came on. This made the audience feel uneasy and uncomfortable with the character of Mrs Lyons.

Sound

* Throughout the play, music was used to stir emotion from the audience. It also helped to move along the action and always conveyed a theme or message or emotion.

* Echo was also used in parts of songs. However it was recorded and therefore gave a very surreal and artificial effect.

* The voices of the actors were always heard from microphones and so omitted dramatic effect.

* The music and lighting combined at the beginning of the play to create both a DRAMATIC EFFECT and a SAD ATMOSPHERE.

* The use of the orchestra collaborated well with the songs.

* The gunshot at the end of the play worked well as it shocked the audience despite them knowing the ending.

Costume

* In his childhood, Mickey wore very baggy clothes which were suitable for his rough use of them.

* The adolescent Mickey wears fashionable denim and leather.

* The adult Mickey again wears a baggy jumper. However this is when he is dominated by medicine. His clothing also illustrates the loss of that huge childhood energy he had at the beginning of the play.

* In his childhood, Eddie wears very posh, expensive and neatly presented clothes.

* The adolescent Eddie wears a blazer and a scarf which again are presented in a very neat manner.

* In her childhood, Linda wears a huge yellow skirt and high bunches tied with ribbons.

* The adolescent Linda wears clothes of a typical school student. These consist of a short skirt, a high pony-tail and high heeled shoes.

* The slightly more mature Linda wear a green top, chunky 70's heels and a clip with her down.

* The adult and mother Linda wears grey trousers and a checked shirt with a heavy cardigan. This is used to illustrate the loss of that huge childhood energy she had at the beginning of the play.

* At the beginning of the play Mrs Johnstone wears a pretty dress and her hair is down to reflect her as young and Marlin Monroe.

* For the rest of the play Mrs Johnstone dresses motherly with an apron and her hair tied up to indicate maturity.

* The narrator wears a smart, well fitting, formal, black suit throughout the play. He does not fit in with the other characters and this provides a great contrast. The clothes of the other characters change as they mature and progress through life whereas his does not, this is because they are going on a direct journey with the narrator observing.

Stage and Setting

* The stage has Mrs Johnstone's house facing Mrs

Lyons house with entrances and exits situated either

side of their houses.

* The interior of Mrs Lyon's house defines the

class divide within society.

* Backdrops of the city and the countryside were

throughout the play.

* For the bus, cinema and rollercoaster physical

theatre was used.

* In terms of set, it was very simplistic and the space between the two houses was the main area of action. All the extra props and scenery was brought on and off by the actors.

* Raised platforms were used for the narrator to stand and observe the action on stage and Mrs Johnstone also sings from there.

* Use of levels- the Johnstone's often sit on their door steps and are at a very low level in most parts of the play.

* The main purpose of the set is to illustrate that act that Mickey and Eddie live so close but live totally different lives.