Rating: 4.5/5
Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre, London
Cast: Vivienne Carlyle, Sean Keany, Sean Jones, Joe Sleight, Sarah Jane Buckley, Gemma Brodrick, James Ledsham, Tim Churchill, Alex Harland, Chloe Pole, Graeme Kinniburgh, Cameron Patmore, Dominic Gore and Jess Smith
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
Heartbreaking and powerful, Blood Brothers masterfully weaves together themes of fate, class struggle, and human connection, emotionally captivating audiences.
Blood Brothers is a powerful and deeply moving musical set in Liverpool between the 1950s and 1980s. It tells the tragic story of a struggling working-class mother, Mrs. Johnstone, abandoned by her husband after having seven children and expecting another. Overwhelmed by poverty and desperation, she makes a heart-wrenching decision that leads to devastating consequences. The story is a haunting exploration of fate, class divide, and the impact of upbringing on identity and destiny.
From the moment the curtains rise, we are transported into the world of working-class Liverpool, with an impressive set that serves as both a backdrop and a reflection of the characters’ struggles. The rustic and realistic staging enhances the emotional weight of the story, while the lighting beautifully complements the changing tones of the narrative, shifting from the warmth of childhood innocence to the stark, unforgiving reality of adulthood.
The Narrator, played by Sean Keany, is an ever-present and ominous figure, guiding the audience through the unfolding tragedy. His haunting presence adds a layer of inevitability to the tale, reinforcing the idea that fate is inescapable. His voice is commanding, and every movement is deliberate, exuding an almost supernatural force that lingers over the story. He does not simply narrate but embodies the weight of destiny, acting as an ever-watchful force and curse over the characters’ lives.
The entire rest of the cast deliver phenomenal performances. Vivienne Carlyle, as Mrs. Johnstone, is breathtakingly raw and emotionally compelling. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt portrayal make her pain and love tangible, drawing the audience into her plight. Sean Jones and Joe Sleight, as the sons, Mickey and Eddie, bring remarkable depth to their roles. Watching their transformation from carefree children to troubled adults is both mesmerising and heart-wrenching. Their performances capture the stark contrast between their upbringings, highlighting the class struggle at the heart of the story. Gemma Brodrick, as Linda, is equally captivating, delivering a performance filled with warmth, heartbreak, and quiet resilience.
One of the most striking aspects of Blood Brothers is the choice to have adult actors portray the twins from childhood through to adulthood. This common artistic decision works brilliantly, allowing us to witness their emotional transformations first-hand. The shift in their mannerisms, body language, and speech patterns is executed so naturally that the audience never questions the illusion. It reinforces the passage of time and makes the final moments even more gut-wrenching.
At its core, Blood Brothers is a poignant reflection on social class and the way circumstances beyond our control shape our futures. It lays bare the harsh realities of poverty, privilege, and societal expectations, exposing the resentment, desperation, and divisions they create. Yet, amidst the struggles, the story also highlights the universal human experiences that transcend class – the innocence of childhood, the bonds of friendship, and the unbreakable ties of family. The play serves as a tragic reminder that despite these commonalities, the world is not fair, and opportunities are not equal.
The beauty of childhood is portrayed with both humour and poignancy, capturing the purity of relationships formed before societal divisions take hold. Mickey and Eddie’s friendship, untouched by class in early years, is a moving testament to the idea that connections are built on something deeper than wealth or status. However, as realities of their separate worlds pull them apart, their fates take drastically different turns. This stark contrast is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, making the audience question the true role of fate versus circumstance.
The music is another standout element, with recurring motifs and themes woven throughout the score. Songs are reprised with altered tones and meanings, reflecting the characters’ growth and the shifts in their lives. While certain lyrics repeat, they serve a deeper purpose – reminding us of the characters’ journeys and reinforcing the play’s central themes. The music tugs at the heartstrings, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
The gradual passage of time, so beautifully portrayed throughout the production, culminates and builds to a dramatic and shattering climax, that is both inevitable and devastating. The audience is left in stunned silence, grappling with the weight of the tragedy.
Blood Brothers is an unforgettable theatrical experience, heart-wrenching, profound, and deeply resonant. It is a masterful blend of humour, sorrow, and raw human emotion, causing it to linger in the mind long after.
Currently on tour across the UK, Blood Brothers is a must-see production that should not be missed. It is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the heart, leaving audiences moved, shaken, and forever changed.
You can book tickets to see Blood Brothers on its UK tour, here.
Review by Alex
**photo credit: Jack Merriman**
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