Blood Brothers, UK Tour (2024) Review

Reviews

24 Apr

Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Set in two contrasting parts of Liverpool in the 1970s, 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 and one is given away. As a pair that goes together, how will the boys do throughout the years and what legacy will they leave?

With book, lyrics and music by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is probably one of the most notable musicals produced by Bill Kenwright. Embarking on yet another UK tour, this show continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, memorable music, and universal themes which each contribute to a lasting impression on you for days to come.

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.

Mrs Johnstone, played by Niki Colwell Evans, unexpectedly finds out that she is expecting twins, even though she already has seven children, and she begins to wonder and worry about how she can afford to keep both of the babies and look after the rest of her brood. Niki plays the role of Mrs Johnstone impeccably and provides the vibrancy and strength that this character’s portrayal requires.

A binding agreement is made between Mrs Johnstone and her employer Mrs Lyons, played by Sarah Jane Buckley. Both actors, with their acting talent and impressive singing voices provide the emotion and courage that is needed in order to portray the varying family dynamics.

An audience of engaged GCSE students and adults attended the show, as the lighting and scenery on stage set the scene and the 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.

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 the 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.

Sean and Joe provide stand out performances 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. The boys begin to learn that they want what they can’t have, as they grow and become adults. Will the brothers ever find out the truth?

The songs, written by Willy Russell himself, contain the most beautiful lyrics and the live band led by Matt Malone, were absolutely wonderful! ‘Kids Game’ and ‘Bright New Day’ were my particular favourites and made me feel different emotions and feelings towards the characters.

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 until Saturday 27th April 2024 before carrying on its tour across the UK until 7th December 2024, in theatres including The Edinburgh Playhouse, Kings Theatre in Portsmouth and The Grand Theatre in Leeds.