AD-Gifted
Blood Brothers was the first musical I ever saw and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the wonderful world of theatre.
It’s currently playing in Manchester so I was more than pleased to have a walk down memory lane. And it really is as epic as I remember.
Don’t forget to read my reviews of The Hound of the Baskervilles and Looking Good Dead.
One in rags and the other, riches.
Single mother Mrs Johnstone finds herself pregnant with twin boys. This should come as happy news until she realises the local authority will likely take all her children away if they find out she has two more in the oven.
She soon makes a deal with the devil, aka the wealthy woman she works for who is unable to conceive. The brothers are separated at birth and grow up in opposing lives. One in rags and the other, riches. But they gravitate back to each other at different stages of their lives, bringing with them the happiest and most devastating moments.
It’s totally gripping.
I resonate with this show for so many reasons. My father is from Liverpool and I too come from a struggling working-class family. We lived in various rundown housing estates and I am one of many brothers and sisters. And most importantly, I am a twin. It’s so relatable and it’s a side of society that I never imagined would be shared on stage.
The writer, Willy Russell, expertly captures the light and dark of growing up in the working class.
But don’t think this is all serious.
It’s wonderfully funny. The humour is well observed and the childhood scenes are particularly bright. The punch in the gut doesn’t arrive until the middle of the second act when adulthood commences and reality settles in. Life is hard and the world is cruel.
And do we call this a musical? Or play with songs? I’m not sure but either way the soundtrack is something I have on repeat. The 80s influence is obvious but it’s the ballad, Tell me it’s not true, that gets me every time.
The whole company are expert.
Twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie, are the life and blood of the show. Josh Capper brings Mickey’s playfulness with particular ease and Joel Benedict truly captures the heart and naivety of posh boy Eddie.
Niki Evans is unforgettable as Mrs Johnstone. She’s strong, resilient, caring and funny and creates a mum anyone would be proud to have. Her voice is effortless.
Robbie Scotcher masters the intimidating presence of the Narrator. Lurking in the shadows knowing full well the deadly deal will have to be paid.
The supporting cast all bring such well observed personalities. I know these people. It’s funny and devastating because it feels so real.
Blood Brothers has been consistently around for 40 years for a reason. It’s simply unmissable.
Playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 26 February 2022. On tour following that.