The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 7th December 2024
Reviewed by Sal E Marino
5*****
Brilliantly directed by Bob Tomson, Blood Brothers received a rousing standing ovation at The Grand Theatre, Leeds on it’s opening night. This spectacular musical, written by Willy Russell, was first staged in 1983 and tells the compelling story of twin brothers, Mickey (played by the fabulous Josh Capper) and Eddie (the equally fabulous Joe Sleight). The boys are separated at birth due to the heart-breaking decision made by their biological mother, Mrs. Johnstone (portrayed by the wonderful Vivienne Carlyle). The play’s core lies in its exploration of fate, class, and the choices people make. The musical brilliantly juxtaposes the lives of the two brothers—one growing up in a wealthy family and the other in poverty. It tackles themes such as social inequality, sibling rivalry, and the power of secrets and ultimately raising questions about how much control we have over our destinies.
The musical score of Blood Brothers (supervised by Matt Malone) is emotional and memorable, with songs that range from upbeat to haunting. The music helps convey the emotional depth of the story. Songs like “Tell Me It’s Not True,” which brings the tragic conclusion to a head, and “Marilyn Monroe,” which reflects the characters’ dreams and desires, remain standouts for audiences. The characters are rich and fully realized, making the emotional stakes feel real. Mrs. Johnstone, played as both a loving and desperate mother, stands at the centre of the story. We are asked to ‘judge’ her at the beginning of the play but really, I think Russell is inviting us to look deeper and to ‘judge’ those who structure our society and who create trauma patterns that run through generations of families.
The duality of Mickey and Eddie—so close in blood yet worlds apart in life—adds layers to their relationship and the narrative. The amazing chorus, often used to deliver ominous foreshadowing, also adds an interesting dynamic to the storytelling and it’s impressive how they play multiple characters who smoothly transition into different people and transform the stage set as they do so. The success of a production of Blood Brothers relies heavily on the strong performances from its cast and this cast is exceptional! The portrayal of Mickey and Eddie, especially as they evolve from children to adults, is crucial. Capper in particular really captures Mickey as the extremely likeable and funny kid who sadly transforms into a melancholic and depressed adult. The scene where he returns home after being in prison and reliant on his ‘pills’ is heart-rendering and Linda, portrayed by the brilliant Gemma Brodrick, brings tears to one’s eyes as she really tries to fight for him but sadly doesn’t succeed. This part of the play is the climax of the tragedy for me – where we see how a life has been destroyed by the ‘system’ right in front of our very eyes.
Blood Brothers is often marked by a straightforward but effective staging style. The Leeds Grand production, like many, offers a minimalist but authentic set, focusing more on the performances and storytelling rather than elaborate set pieces. This allows for the raw emotional core of the narrative to shine through which it definitely does in this show. This production of Blood Brothers (as commented on earlier, that due to its brilliant cast) is deeply emotional and poignant, with a dramatic ending that leaves the audience reflecting on the themes of the musical long after the curtain falls. The powerful action, combined with the evocative music, makes it a stirring experience that resonates strongly with viewers and so Russell, after all these years, still makes one reflect on the impact that poverty has on society and the never-ending hopeless cycle it creates within families. Have things changed forty years on – has any progress been made? Clearly if you read any current news headlines you’ll have the disappointing answer to both of the questions above …
Blood Brothers remains a timeless piece of theatre that continues to capture audiences with its moving story, strong characterisations, and evocative score. If you’re attending a performance at The Grand, you can expect a highly engaging and emotional night.