BLOOD BROTHERSAim:

-To consider the connotations of the title- To consider the emotional implications of the story-To understand the context of the play.

Making predictions

Reading on the lines (the obvious) what do you think of when you hear the title?

Perhaps focus on the meanings of each word first…

Reading between the lines, can you think of any possible connotations of ‘Blood Brothers’?

Reading beyond the lines, can you make any predictions as to what this play is about?

Do you think this will be a happy play? Explain your answer.

Willy Russell was from Liverpool. He was from a working class background. Russell left school at 15 with no

qualifications. He did various difficult and low paid jobs –

he trained to be a hairdresser. Russell then decided to go back to school. He eventually got all his qualifications and

became a teacher.

Background to the Author

Background to the Play• The play was written in the 1980s• In the 80s there was high

unemployment• Margaret Thatcher was Prime

Minister• She introduced ‘free market’

policies which were good for companies and factories but not good for ordinary workers

• Liverpool, where the play is set, had particular problems with unemployment

Place: Liverpool

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Liverpool, because of its position on the River Mersey, was a prosperous seaport in the 19th century.

It is a city of many contrasts. In the 20th century, because of the silting of

the river, it was a place of financial depression, which led to unemployment and strikes.

There was a big gap between the rich and the poor.

The people of Liverpool

Liverpudlians are known for their warmth, hospitality and wit.

Liverpool is also famous for its football teams and impact on culture – the Mersey Beat (poetry), the Beatles (music) and playwrights, architects etc.

Mrs Johnstone’s wit and warmth typify these qualities.

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Time

Blood Brothers is set in Liverpool, between the 1950s and the 1970s.

At the time, people strongly disapproved of sex before marriage and this is why Mrs Johnstone ‘has to’ marry quickly.

Divorce was uncommon and this is another reason the neighbours might disapprove of her.

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What happened to the Johnstone twins?

Do the first lines from the narrator and Mrs

Johnstone change your predictions?

Why would a mother give away her baby?

Discuss in pairs and make a list in your books.