Leeds Grand Theatre – until 18th May 2019
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
5*****
Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers began its existence in the early 1980’s when it first ran as a school play before becoming a musical, debuting at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. Unknown at the time it would eventually be one of the longest running musicals in London’s West End alongside successful national tours.
Blood Brothers, set in 1960s Liverpool, is about two twin brothers who were separated at birth. One, Eddie (Joel Benedict), was given away to a wealthy family, the Lyons, and Mickey (Alexander Patmore), remained with the mother, Mrs Johnstone (Linzi Hateley) who struggled to make ends meet. Their environments could not be more contrasting, and how very different their lives are when they meet intermittently in their childhood and teens, and how their fates would extraordinarily draw them together leading to tragic consequences.
Russell emphasises “nature versus nurture” as its main theme in Blood Brothers and the extreme ends of the economic and social spectrums which both Eddie and Mickey live are highlighted. As such is marked with ignorance, inequality, class, fate, superstition and anti-social behaviour. Also not forgetting to mention the mental health and psychological impact of the twins separation and the sworn to secrecy it have on their mothers, Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons (Paula Tappenden).
Blood Brothers has a narrator present throughout courtesy of Robbie Scotcher. Scotcher effective input ensures the story of the Johnstone twins is told and the continuous reminders of what happened in the past are emphasised which leads to consequential and fateful developments in both Eddie and Mickey’s lives as they grow up into adulthood. This is also serves as a moral awakening to both the mothers and that the secrecy wouldn’t eventually be a secret.
Hateley portrayal as Mrs Johnstone is excellent throughout and she shares her story of hardship and hopes through song with links to Marilyn Monroe, the optimistic Bright New Day and in the undeniably poignant finale, Tell Me It’s Not True. Hateley and the remaining cast have collectively put on an excellent performance which is met with emotions from beginning to end and they are deservedly in receipt of a standing ovation.
Blood Brothers is movingly and realistically successful and is staged so well. There are a lot of things that one can draw parallel in today’s world whether it’s personally, economically or socially. It is certainly a musical that can be seen again and again. It is understood that it’s part of the many schools’ curriculum which no doubt there will be plenty to explore and discuss among the students. A highly recommended musical!