1(a)

• Social

  Though Willy Russell wrote the play in 1981, it takes place in the early 1960s covering a period of over two decades. When housing became scarce, many inner-city homes were decrepit so many families like the Johnstones were relocated outside of the city. The economy suffered and unemployment rates rose, especially impacting working-class areas like Liverpool; crime rates increased, and the use of illegal drugs increased. These characteristics of the society are mirrored in Sammy's interaction with the police, Mickey's stint in jail, his drug use, and the violent ending. 
• Cultural

  Liverpool was well-known for its music at the time as seen with it being the birthplace of musicians like the Beatles and the Merseybeat. This is reflected in Russell's decision to use musical theatre to tell the story and in the numerous musical allusions; Marilyn Monroe and other icons of perfection are juxtaposed against Mrs. Johnstone's "imperfect" life; America had an important impact on the rest of the world, as evidenced by the fact that everyone had access to movie theatres, as seen by Mickey and Edward's moviegoing and the references to cowboys.
• Historical 

  Blood Brothers was produced as a school play by teacher Willy Russell in 1981 in collaboration with Merseyside Young Peoples' Theatre; It debuted at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The 1980s saw a significant change in the administration when Margaret Thatcher became prime minister, and the Conservative Party came to power. Huge austerity measures were introduced; the play covers the lives of the twins Mickey and Edward over twenty-five years and the distinction between the classes is reflected in Mickey's comprehensive education and Edward's public education. 
• Theatrical Conventions 


  This was intended to be performed on a proscenium arch stage; Dramatic irony and foreshadowing are frequently employed to alert the audience to impending events-"Everyone has secrets" .Songs are used to comment on the action, reveal information, and sometimes to create a specific mood. Split scenes are used to show two scenes being performed on stage at once. Flashback is used at the beginning as the play begins with the ending. The narrator also plays multiple roles, which creates a comic effect. 
• Genre

  Musical theatre is the genre, which is theatre that tells a story and relates events using song, speech, and some choreography; The play is non-naturalistic, utilizing asides, ensemble acting, narration, and musical components. and other non-naturalistic approaches; It has a dramatic and climactic ending with elements of both comedy and tragedy; Throughout the entire work, the narrator is skilfully employed to inform, anticipate, warn, progress the action, and engage the audience. The use of a narrator breaks the fourth wall. 
• Language

  The conversation is written in a Liverpool dialect; the naturalistic language is employed to produce realism; the language implies class differences, which are especially noticeable between the  language and how it is utilised to convey anguish and rage as the characters frequently speak with broken syntax; language is employed for comedic effect with conventional, received English misunderstood producing tension or bewilderment; characters of Edward and Mickey, such as the "F" word and "a dictionary". 
• Structure 


  The play opens with a flashback in which the outcome is revealed in full. After this, the play picks up speed and proceeds in a linear, chronological fashion. The first act centers on the friendship that develops between the two boys and uses the foreshadowing device to build tension. Mrs. Johnstone ends the act on a happy note by singing Oh Bright New Day, expressing her hope for the future. Act two is melancholier and more ominous since it ends with Mickey and Edward's deaths. 
• Form and Style


  Willy Russell wrote the play's book, music, and lyrics it's referred to as "A Musical" and features a tragic ending, black comedy, and some of the 1950s "kitchen-sink drama" which emphasizes working-class social elements. The narrator uses monologue to help bridge the time gap and connect. The characterization of Edward and Mickey as children develops comedy, exaggeration, and high energy in the performance. The play on a proscenium arch stage opens with a flashback, which is a re-enactment of the final scene and serves as a type of prologue that foreshadows events.