Hull New Theatre – until 22nd July 2023
Reviewed by Anne Walker
5*****
This renowned, multi-award winning musical, written by Willy Russell, is unforgettable once seen. With its powerful storytelling and unforgettable melodies. Set against the backdrop of a working-class neighbourhood in Liverpool, this production explores the themes of fate, class divide and the consequences of choices made. Blood Brothers delves into the stark contrast between the lives of two twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie, who are separated at birth and raised in different social classes. The narrative explores the impact of their upbringing on their lives.
Do not be put off and think that it’s all doom and gloom! The scenes when Mickey and Eddie are young are fantastic, funny and so well acted. Playing children who are 7 (nearly 8!) and then to hormone fuelled teenagers takes much skill. From the dark introduction, superbly told by the Narrator (Danny Whitehead), we are then transported back in time to the late 1950’s where the boys Mother, Mrs Johnstone, tells us all about the boy’s father and how they met. We hear our first helping of the song ‘Marilyn Monroe’ at this point, a song that is heard throughout with different intent to symbolise a life etched in tragedy.
The characters were brought to life by an incredibly talented cast. The chemistry between the actors playing Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joe Sleight) was remarkable, their friendship and eventual rivalry portrayed with genuine emotion and conviction. The audience were fully invested in their journey, rooting for their happiness while simultaneously dreading the tragic outcome looming over them.
Having seen this musical twice before, this performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The cast, led by a talented ensemble, breathed life into their characters with such conviction and authenticity that it was impossible not to be completely engrossed in their journey. The standout performance came from Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evans), the resilient and tormented mother of the twins. Her portrayal was a masterclass in emotional depth, capturing the anguish and desperation of a woman caught in the relentless grip of poverty. Her haunting and heart wrenching rendition of ‘Tell Me It’s Not true’ left the audience in tears, a testament to her talent and powerful story telling. The evening ended with a full standing ovation for the whole cast, just wonderful.