With the uplifting Blood Brothers, the Bangkok Community Theatre offers some cash-crisis consolation.

The Bangkok Community Theatre (BCT) hopes to cheer up everyone with Blood Brothers, a rousing musical about twin brothers separated at birth to lead "prince and pauper" lives.

The brothers fall in love with the same woman and tragedy looms, but this is ultimately "a bright, high-energy, uplifting show", says director Marion McDonald.

"It's been a long, tough year for many in Thailand coping with the impact of the global economic crisis," she says. "Blood Brothers reminds us that we can achieve greater happiness without material wealth."

Awarded "Best New Musical" when it debuted in 1988 and still running in London with ex-Spice Girl Mel C in the cast, Blood Brothers has been called a musical for people who don't like musicals.

The music and lyrics are by Willy Russell, the playwright behind Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.

“He’s a master storyteller, not a songwriter or musician. Every moment of the action and every song drive the story forward. The opening song tells the first seven years of the story while later songs advance the plot from a few months to four years. Non-musical lovers often dislike the pause in a play for a song, seeing it as distracting to the pace of the story,” says McDonald.

"Blood Brothers was written in the era of Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Pippin, borrowing the styles of rock and pop music. It's set in Liverpool, in the era of the Beatles, but the theme is timeless–families, secrets, class and the consequences of the choices we make."

McDonald herself once performed in this play.

She recalls, “In 2003, I played the lead role of Mrs Johnstone in Hong Kong for Lindsey McAlister Productions for a one-week season and the audience response was sensational. Blood Brothers often receives standing ovations as the emotional journey is so gripping and the audience feel strong empathy for the characters. This show is an experience you never forget. Many London audiences return again and again to see the show.”

For many of us who may have seen the musical play in West End, or elsewhere, McDonald says there are enough reasons to watch it again here.

“We have some fantastic local talent in Bangkok recreating the show faithfully for Bangkok Community Theatre. It’s the best return on 850 baht to pick up your spirits!”

“The lead role is played by Camilla McDonald, former West End professional performer trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy in London. She has previously performed in ‘Blood Brothers’ as Linda."

"The brothers separated at birth are played by Chanawee ‘Boom’ Suthibutr, an amazing 18-year-old student at Ruamrudee International School who was recommended to us by his singing teacher; and Justin Brooks, who recently directed for the sold-out BCT Fringe Theatre Festival. The narrator is played by Jonathan Truslow, long term Bangkok resident, and Linda is played by Stephanie Wallis, NIST teacher.”

“We've been rehearsing for three months. We know it’s feeling right when we get goose bumps in certain scenes from the emotional struggle.”