Natasha Hamilton Shouldn’t Have Been Cast In Blood Brothers
Published on Friday 5th November, 3.38pm, Written by Jonathan Dudley
Today, while I was trying to enjoy a teacake, I discovered that Natasha Hamilton is joining the cast of Blood Brothers as Mrs Johnstone.
At first I couldn’t quite place the name; was she from Pop Idol or something ghastly like that? Perhaps she’d been one of the particularly forgettable Hollyoaks plastics? No, that wasn’t it either…then it hit me like a freight train (a freight train loaded with unimaginably bad pop music). She was from Atomic Kitten.
When I finally worked out that she was from Atomic Kitten, a group best described as a Poundland version of the Sugababes, my heart sank and I dropped my precious teacake, it was the last one. Perhaps it’s because I wasted a perfectly good cake/biscuit, or perhaps it’s because I really, really, really dislike Atomic Kitten, but something about this piece of casting has irked me.
It’s not like anyone’s surprised; Blood Brothers is a show which loves a bit of celebrity stunt casting. Melanie C (Sporty Spice) has recently finished her stint as Mrs Johnstone and over the years a host of other celebs, some more washed-up than others, have taken on the role. Since the show opened in 1983 four of the Nolan sisters have played Mrs J, as has Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’s Kiki Dee.
Surely I can’t be alone in thinking that it’s high time Blood Brothers just hired someone proper to play Mrs J. Stunt casting is all well and good if you cast a name that large numbers of people will recognise. Somehow I doubt that Hamilton’s performance will turn out to be particularly special, and I doubt that her name will even boost ticket sales that much, so why cast her at all?
It’s not even as if she fits the role particularly well. Wikipedia says that she’s only 28 and despite the demands of C-lister life, she looks younger. Mrs Johnstone is a role for a slightly older woman, not a particularly fresh-faced 20-something. By all means, if she wants to have a crack at the West End, go for it. However, a few years as a mediocre pop singer should not give anyone the right to go directly from panto to West End leading lady.
Hamilton and others like her should really do their time in an ensemble before stealing leads from those who have worked for years to get them. Stunt casting like this is preventing the discovery of more performers like Sister Act’s Patina Miller.
Perhaps I’ve missed the point, if you understand why Natasha Hamilton is doing Blood Brothers rather than Celebrity Total Wipeout then please let me know in the comments box.
I’m Going to give her a chance, like i did with Mel C, and with some of your comments i agree like they should do their time in ensemble or going to do perfomring arts for a couple of years atleast – as Mel C cant Act that well and i think it may be the same with Natasha Hamilton, saying that though i had a huge suprise when i saw X factor’s Niki Evan as Mrs J – she was amazing huge powerfull voice and perfect acting.
people/minor celebs think that just because they are from liverpool and can hold a tune that they can play this part, and so does Bill Kenwright but its just not true. monday night will be the 20th time i see the show (in liverpool for 2 weeks 8th – 20th November) maybe Kenwright is being his usual self and trying to make more money with this show so he can fund other shows.
Blood Brothers is an amazing show and should be cast by talent not by accent – some ‘stunt’ casting like the 4 nolans and Niki Evans were great but mel C and natasha, im not so sure.
shame about you teacake lol :P
Mike
“mediocre pop singer” ? Are you kidding ?
Hey, I’m a passionate amateur performer hoping to go pro, with friends already pro in the industry and on one hand, I completely agree 100%, let the “real” performers who have spent time and countless energy have a go! BUT at the same time you may be surprised. Mel C I knew was a singer, and when I first heard she was cast kind of thought like you.. can she act? Well she didn’t only act, she blew me away. She was undoubtedly the best Mrs J I have ever seen (the 5th, I’ve seen the show 6 times). Natasha may surprise you. Bill Kenwright wouldn’t risk his 25 year success and reputation by casting someone who couldn’t do it. Let her prove herself, she may surprise you! :)
Have you actually bothered to listen to Natasha Hamilton’s voice ? I mean seriously ? I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Did you see her in Peter Pan last year and check out that she can actually act. Think you should do your homework first before you make judgements. I can agree that NH is probably younger than most cast into this role but she won’t be the first actress in her 20s to play someone much older. Give her a chance and then judge her on her performance. And I bet you’ll be eating your words.
I am inclined to agree with Rob; having seen Natasha Hamilton sing many many times I would say she possesses an emotionally powerful vocal very capable of performing the tough role of Mrs Johnstone.
Andy McCluskey of OMD picked Natsha for Atomic Kitten for the very reason she was a brilliant vocalist (I think he picked Kerry Katona because she offered something up-front!).
Bill Kenwright doesn’t make too many errors when it comes to Blood Brothers and I personally welcome this casting and wish Natasha all the best for Monday 24th. I will pop along to the Phoenix Theatre to see her perform that night.
Well Jonathan, you have missed the point. You thought that the point was about pre-judging the quality of Natasha’s performance, based on your prejudices and some sense that Natasha has to do “her time” before getting this role.
My wife and I saw the show this week on Friday night and Natasha was outstanding. I had never heard of Natasha before the show and I don’t recall ever hearing an Atomic Kitten song, however, Natasha’s performance will stay with me for the rest of my life. ….. and that’s the point – Natasha delivers the goods.
My wife and I have seen many shows on the West End, Broadway and Las Vegas and this show was up there with the best. Natasha’s voice and stage presence was stunning and it was impossible not to be captivated by her performance.
Well done Natasha and don’t pay any attention to people who make judgements that aren’t based on what they see or what they hear.
I went to the matinée performance yesterday and NH was magnificent along with all of the cast. Without doubt the best BB I’ve seen from the last 5 shows. Congratulations to all involved
Well, if the reports coming back from you lot are anything to go by she’s pretty good. Fair enough, it’s a bit of a surprise but I’m not going to deny it.
However, talented or not, she still walked into a leading role based as much on name as on talent. No matter how good the show is, that’s unfair.
Saw BB last night and Joked to GF that mrs j looked like girl from atomic kitten …
Amazed it was true she gave a amazing performance strong and fantastic vocals beyond the girl power pop for which she has been tarnished on here previously , true breath-taking and standout and a very long way from z-list celebrity publicity spinning!
Saw the show last night and didn’t know who she was till I read the program after, it was fantastic ! Natasha was amazing, awesome singer and actor as was David Cooper who played Mickey at this performance, outstanding night!
Well, my heart sank too when I saw who was playing Mrs J. after I bought the tickets. But like others who have already commented, Natasha Hamilton blew me away. In fact I would say that she is FAR better than Mel C. and up there with the best who have played the part. Instead of the Mel C approach of standing there saying the words and then singing some songs, Natasha really acts the part, brings a real emotion to it, and her voice – wow !! Unbelievable. I can say that having seen Blood Brothers more than 20 times since the early 1980s, this latest production is one of the best. The new Mrs Lyons, Edward and Linda are also excellent, and the direction has been tweaked with subtle changes in dialogue, better use of silence for effect rather than rushing on through the lines, improved timing on the jokes, and the most notable thing for me, the lowering of the volume of the music at key points so that the actors, especially the narrator can properly be heard.
I’d thought I’d tired of Blood Brothers, but this latest production is electric, just loved it, and Natasha has to take a lot of the credit for that. If you haven’t seen BB for a while, now may be the time to go back and enjoy it again.
Well, I think we can say you have been proved wrong. And personally I cannot see a stage director hiring someone purely on their ‘name’. I went to see blood brothers with Natasha Hamilton, and I can say without a doubt the BEST performance of the other many versions I have seen, I.E Amy Robbins, Maureen Nolan and Mel C. This time it was for my GCSE drama and my teachers all agreed that this was the best version they have seen. Natasha’s connection with the audience. the pure emotion on her face, meant that there was not a dry face around me. Of course credit goes to the other cast members as well, but Natasha Hamilton blew me away. I cried my eyes out at her rendition of Tell me its not true, and her voice was flawless.