Lesley starring in a new Blood Brothers production

Lesley starring in a new Blood Brothers production

10 May 2017

BLOOD Brothers featuring a number of local actors is being performed at Belvoir Players Theatre in Belfast this weekend.

Lesley Craig, from Downpatrick, who is playing the character of Mrs Johnstone, is originally from Liverpool and works as a children’s entertainer. The former Redcoat has also appeared in Keith Lemon The Movie and Twopence to Cross The Mersey at The Liverpool Empire.

James O’Neill, from Portaferry is playing the lead role of Micky in his first theatre role. The 34 year-old building services contractor hopes to get professional theatre work in the future following his time at Belfast College of Acting.

Declan Curran (23), from Atticall, a support worker at Autism Initiatives, is also playing the lead role of Eddie.

Blood Brothers tells the tale of twin brothers separated at birth and the effect of living on two sides of the class divide.

It’s a famous musical, but the story is treated with even more depth in this play presented by the Belfast College of Acting.

Aside from the brothers, the play considers Lesley’s character of Mrs Johnstone. From a poor background, Mrs Johnstone gives her baby away and mirrors the plight of the wealthy Mrs Lyons. Mrs Lyon’s mental health deteriorates through her desperation to have a baby of her own. Depression is a major theme in the play and is also explored through the journey of characters Micky and Linda.

Belfast College of Acting and Apollo Community Arts are also supporting Mental Health Week which runs from May 8 to 14.  

Under director Pauline Carville, this fast-moving, perceptive and ultimately tragic -piece of theatre will be performed in the Belvoir Players Theatre on Friday and Saturday. Performances start at 7.30pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets priced at £11 and £9 can be booked by calling the box office on 028 9049 1210.