Grand Opera House, York until 2 November 2019
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is the tragic tale of twins, separated at birth, who then grow up on different sides of the tracks, only to come back together with disastrous consequences. Mrs Johnstone is left abandoned with 7 kids by her deadbeat husband, to find out that she has twins on the way. She loves her children, but cannot support them, until she starts work as a cleaner for Mrs Lyons, who comes up with suggestion of raising one of the twins as her own. What follows is a story about jealousy and paranoia, which leads to devastating consequences.
We follow Mickey, Alexander Patmore and Eddie, Joel Benedict, through the years. Not bought up together they still seem to be drawn to each other, that invisible bond that only twins have. Not knowing they are related, they become Blood Brothers, which only results in heartache. Patmore is so thoroughly convincing as the 7 year old, but nearly 8, Mickey. We see him grow up, where you can believe that all is ok in the world, before he makes a stupid mistake that results despair and tragedy. Benedict as the posh Eddie, in awe of his super cool best friend Mikey, who is the complete opposite and the perfect foil for Mickey. Throughout their time together on stage you couldn’t help yourself either laughing or crying, through the brilliant comedy and the emotional rollercoaster that their relationship took us on.
Lyn Paul, voted the definitive Mrs Johnstone and after 20 odd years playing the part on and off, is completing her final tour. At the age of 70 she may be too old to portray the role, but she certainly packs a punch and still delivers a strong powerful performance. The emotion she portrays is outstanding, and you can really feel the torment in every note she sings.
One of the most important characters on stage is the Narrator, who is virtually always on stage. Robbie Scotcher delivers a strong performance guiding us through the tale with just the right amount of vigour and devilish darkness. The entire cast are quite excellent in their storytelling, often playing various characters throughout. Tim Churchill morphing into the doctor from the milkman, provided us the audience with great merriment.
Blood Brothers is such a moving musical, emotionally gripping. We laughed, we cried and we jumped in our seats, more than once, a real rollercoaster of a story. It was good to see a full theatre on a cold Monday evening and it thoroughly deserved the standing ovation that it received. A must see for all.