Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 5th August 2023
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
On the opening night of Blood Brothers at Cambridge Arts I witnessed, and was part of, a standing ovation unlike any other I have experienced. There was almost a roar of appreciation from the audience. I had tears in my eyes and I’m sure that I was not alone.
Willy Russell initially wrote Blood Brothers as a school play, and it was first performed in November 1981. This 40-year-old phenomenon tells the story of Mrs Johnstone, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Finding herself pregnant with twins, she realises that she can only afford to keep one of the babies so enters a pact to give one of the children to a well-to-do neighbour who she works for, Mrs Lyons. Despite the best efforts of their respective mothers, by a twist of fate the boys meet and become best friends, never knowing that they were twins secretly separated at birth. But as they grow up their lives take very different paths, leading to tragedy.
Blood Brothers blends music, comedy, tragedy and social commentary. As well as being a great musical, the show is a biting social commentary on the issue of class, of the ‘nature versus nurture’ debate and on the opportunities afforded or denied to families due to socio-economic circumstances.
This production was directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright. Although Blood Brothers is a musical, you almost don’t notice as the songs blend so well into the overall story.
Danny Whitehead as The Narrator gave a wonderfully haunting performance as he foreshadowed the dark events at the end of the show. Blending menace in with compassion, he carried the narrative along with great vocal talent.
There are pivotal pairings in the play which are so well performed by the actors in this production. Firstly, there are the mothers, Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons. Sarah Jane Buckley plays Mrs Lyons with finesse and admirably portrays her sadness at not being able to conceive, her joy at finally having a son and her ultimate descent into paranoia.
The contrast between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons is excellently conveyed here and Niki Colwell Evans’ Mrs Johnstone was a favourite of mine. She played the role with strength and grit, yet her vulnerability shone through. She gave some stunning vocal performances with a voice made for musicals.
Then we meet Mickey and Eddie. The relationship between the two boys is funny, touching and ultimately heart-breaking.
Mickey is played by Sean Jones, and what he does with the role of Mickey is truly extraordinary. Watching him take Mickey from a child into adulthood is an almost visceral experience.
Eddie is played by Joe Sleight. His moments with both mothers are heart-stopping. Caught between both women without even realising, Joe Sleight handles the role of Eddie with delicacy and charm.
Mention must be made also of the fabulous supporting cast who swop between roles seamlessly and provide a solid foundation for the main characters.
This is an extraordinary show. There are tears and laughter, sometimes at the same time. The humour is still fresh and not forced, with moments of genuine laughter shared between the cast and the audience. Poignant and powerful, it’s impossible not to be moved by this performance of a compelling and memorable tale. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Go and see it.