Blood brothers-Context

1. No qualifications
   1. Went back to uni - became teacher

1. enjoyed popular musics eg the beatles

1. 2 years after Thatcher became PM

   Nota:

   • Conservative
   1. Believed Britains Manufacturing industry= uncompetitive
      1. Weak employers
      2. Overly strong trades union
         1. Reduced their power
            1. privatised publicly owned companies
            2. Closed uncompetitive mines

1. Economic downturn
   1. Unemployment soared
   2. Famous docks ran down
      1. Poverty
   3. Crime levels increased
   4. Housing allowed to deteriorate
   5. illegal drugs use increased
      1. Mickeys situation

Nota:

• One of Thatcher's main political beliefs

1. In BB this is contradicted

   Nota:

   • Russell shows how it is upbringing and class that is important
2. Despite Mickeys hard work/good attitude has nothing

   Nota:

   • (basis of the trajedy)

1. Extremely famous/idea woman etc
   1. Reality different-on anti depressants

      Nota:

      • died of overdose
2. Referred to throughout the play

   Nota:

   • different points in her life and her public image
   1. Mrs J loves her public image
   2. Mickey hooked on anti depressants like her

1. 1950's pop flourished
   1. Even poor people had money for it

      Nota:

      • e.g. Mikey
2. Escapism
   1. Mrs J with dancing
   2. The boys with the cowboy games

      Nota:

      • influenced by films
   3. Mr J likes Mrs J for Marilyn looks