New Wimbledon theatre – until 12th February 2022
Reviewed by Liberty Noke
5*****
Blood Brothers tells the story of twin boys separated at birth and raised by different families. They grow up together but never realise they are brothers. The stage opens with the narrator ( Robbie Scotcher) foreshadowing the death of the twins and introducing the audience to their mother Mrs Johnstone played by Niki Evans. Evans gives an amazing performance perfectly portraying the heartbreak of being separated from her son. Her entire performance especially her vocals was incredible.
During the first act we are introduced to the brother Mrs Johnstone kept, Mickey (Sean Jones) at age 7. He sits on the stage age chatting excitedly to the audience in such a way that you forget that he is being played by a grown man not a 7 year old boy. Similarly we meet Edward (Joel Benedict) who was raised by wealthy parents. Benedict also plays a convincing 7 year old making Edward a charming character you cant help but like. Both actors portray the brothers throughout the play and show amazing talent playing the characters as teenagers and adults.
The second act as the brothers grow older their brightly coloured clothes are swapped for a more muted colour palette which helps show the contrast between the light-hearted , carefree fun of childhood and the hardships of adult life when you are living on the edge.
The narrator played by Robbie Scotcher created an eerie atmosphere on the stage whenever he appeared he would sometimes walk across the stage or appear as if out of thin air. Is vocals were haunting yet beautiful.
It is easy to see why Blood Brothers is still being performed 40 years after its debut as audiences empathise with the characters, are fascinated by the effects of nature vs nurture and entertained by a wonderfully talented cast. Blood Brothers will have you laughing and crying, a fantastic show not to be missed.