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The Bangkok Community Theatre 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."

Don't like musicals?

Declared "best new musical" when it debuted in 1983 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" but not a songwriter.

"Every moment of the action and every song drive the story forward," says McDonald.

"'Blood Brothers' was written in the era of 'Hair' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 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."

Liverpool in Bangkok

McDonald promises the show is an emotionally gripping journey and "an experience you never forget", and says the "fantastic" local talent is re-creating the show faithfully.

Camilla McDonald, a former West End stage professional who knows the script well, has the lead role of Mr Johnstone.

Chanawee "Boom" Suthibutr, an 18-year-old student at Ruamrudee International School, and Justin Brooks, who directed for the recent Fringe Theatre Festival, play the brothers of the title.

"We've been rehearsing for three months," says McDonald. "We know it's feeling right when we get goose bumps in certain scenes from the emotional struggle."

 FAMILY THAIS

>> See "Blood Brothers" November 26 to 29 at Alliance Francaise de Bangkok, Thursday to Saturday at 7.30 and Sunday at 6.

>> Tickets are Bt850 at www.TotalReservation.com.

 >> On the Internet:|www.BCT-Th.org.