Exmouth Players presented an intense and emotional production at the Blackmore Theatre of Blood Brothers by Willy Russell, skilfully directed by Clare Philbrock.

The curtains opened onto a simple split-level set of muted greys and blacks with a powder puff of clouds on the back wall. The cast set the scene for the story to come with a catchy song and dance routine, highlighting the journey of Mrs Johnson from a young carefree girl, with a resemblance to Marilyn Monroe, who loved dancing, to love, marriage and eventual struggle as a care-worn single parent with too many mouths to feed. Abandoned by her husband and pregnant again this time with twins, she enters into a pact with her childless employer Mrs Lyons to hand over one of the babies at birth.

The action switched from the 'posh' side of town where Mrs Johnson was a 'char' to the backyard at the rough end, where the washing pegged out on the line cleverly denoted the passage of time.

Of course, the boys met and bonded, swearing allegiance as 'blood brothers', and despite Mrs Lyons desperate attempts to keep them apart their connection stayed constant throughout, even surviving a move to the country.

Emily Fletcher was convincing as Mrs Johnson and Anne Killoran made an excellent foil as the 'posh' Mrs Lyons. Mike Killoran linked the action well as the narrator, and Paul Baxter and Michelle Chudley both filled in effectively with various supporting roles.

Rachel Ratibb as Linda made an excellent playmate, maturing into a wife and mother, the cycle continuing.

Matt Howard as Eddie and Dave Killoran as Mickey were simply superb, initially in short trousers playing childish games, they progressed believably through their teenage years to the reality of adulthood.

The climax came as Mickey confronted Eddie, their 'mother' stood poised to confess the truth, and Mrs Lyons stepped in to shoot them both. "Born and died on the self-same day!"

An extremely well performed, compelling production, with excellent lighting, costumes and props with accents of red, and where needed subtle Liverpudlian accents, all combining to complement the piece.