The cast of Blood Brothers - Image: Jack Merriman
What do siblings, shoes and shadows have in common in 1970s Liverpool? Well this adaptation of Willy Russell’s classic book Blood Brothers answers that question, whilst it brings the story of twin brothers Mickey and Edward to the stage this week at Leicester’s Curve theatre as part of its current UK tour.
Renowned as one of the most popular musicals ever written, this particular show has a loyal group of followers who have been to see the show countless times over the years. Due to its powerful plot that stays with you long after the curtains have closed, as well as the stunning musical score, this show proves through its popularity its timeless appeal.
Led by Matt Malone, the incredibly talented live orchestra brings this show to life. The songs, written by Willy Russell himself, contain the most beautiful lyrics and the songs ‘Kids Game’ and ‘Bright New Day’ were my particular favourites and made me feel different emotions and feelings towards the characters.
With the talk of spam, battenberg cake and mashed potato, this production is extremely nostalgic from the start as the narrator begins telling the twins' tale. There are lots of historical and cultural references throughout and the audience cried as much as they laughed throughout the evening production.
This story of family, trust and friendship tells the story of twins separated at birth, who are brought up in very different circumstances. One is kept by their mother Mrs Johnstone, a poor single woman with numerous children and the bailiffs knocking at the door whilst she gives her other twin away to Mrs Lyons, the lady that she cleans for.
Playing Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons are Vivienne Carlyle and Tricia Adele Turner respectively. Vivienne’s singing voice in her solo numbers is incredible and her character development throughout the show is performed well. Tricia’s performance added a natural flair to the character of Mrs Lyons as she explored a range of feelings and emotions theatrically throughout the show.
The narrator in this particular viewing is Richard Munday who provided audience members with a stand out performance with his natural ability to blend in amongst the ensemble but also to bring his own character to the forefront of the audience’s minds.
Along with the musical score and compelling story, the lighting and scenery on stage led by Andy Walmsley and Nick Richings set the scene and mood from the outset. The backdrop of the two opposing houses and neighbourhoods provide an instant visual contrast between the very different lives the boys are going to lead. As the age of the characters change, so does the scenery and lighting, and the dynamic way they were used was really clever in allowing the story to move forward.
In this particular version of the show, the strong use of metaphors and loud sounds added to the atmosphere in the auditorium as the story played out on stage. Sound Designer Dan Samson has cleverly thought about and created a range of sounds which audience members subconsciously are aware of.
As the babies grow into seven year olds, we meet Mickey, the dirty and rough ‘nearly eight year old’ who is obsessed with playing cowboys and indians. He loves playing with his brothers and sisters and engages in toy gun fights and arguments over sweets with his many siblings. Mickey, played by Sean Jones, meets teacher’s pet Eddie, played by Joe Sleight, a private school posh boy and dictionary geek.
Despite their differences, the boys quickly become best friends and learn that they have the same birthday, July 18th. The boys agree that they could be blood brothers and have many similarities as well as differences. They laugh the same, they enjoy the same games and they have the same friends.
As long-standing cast members, Sean and Joe provide the stand out performances of the night with their authentic and powerful portrayals of the twins both as boys and as adults. The audience laughed in hysterics, but at times also sobbed at the character development that they both depicted. Will the brothers ever find out the truth?
Will you come along and view this beautiful story of bonds, boys and brothers and visit this production on its UK tour? This production continues at Leicester’s Curve theatre until Saturday 31st October 2026 before carrying on its tour across the UK until 18th September 2026, in theatres including: Northampton’s Royal and Derngate, Sheffield’s Lyceum and Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Hollie for Theatre and Tonic, October 2026.
Content warnings: This production includes: fire arms, gunshot, haze and depictions of mental illness.
