⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The best musical that you will ever go to see. You will be captivated and find yourself sat on the edge of your seat. Taking you through every emotion that you could possibly feel; love, sadness, heartbreak, fear and grief. 5 stars doesn’t feel enough for this and you can see why it is one of only three musicals to have surpassed over 10,000 performances and had a full standing ovation from the whole theatre at the end of every single performance. It is iconic, emotional and truly phenomenal.
Blood Brothers is playing at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 13th November 2021 and if there is one musical that you should book, it is this one. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com
Blood Brothers is written by Willy Russell and tells the captivating, emotional tale of the Johnstone twins who get separated at birth. Their mother, Mrs Johnstone (Lyn Paul) keeps getting pregnant and can’t afford to keep the children all fed and watered. Mickey (Alexander Patmore) grows up with Mrs Johnstone and Eddie (Andy Owens) becomes the son of Mrs Lyons (Paula Tappenden), a rich housewife whose husband (Tim Churchill) owns a large factory. The twins as they grow up, bump into each other, thinking they are just really good friends and become ‘Blood Brothers’, hanging out with Mickeys school friend Linda (Danielle Corlass). But as they get older, the truth comes out with disastrous consequences.
I watched Blood Brothers in the West End over 10 years ago and loved it then, but this time, as a mother myself, it really got me. Tell Me It’s Not True really had me well up. It was nice to see Lyn Paul still playing the role of Mrs Johnstone and I am saddened to hear that this is her last tour. Her version of Marilyn Monroe is pitch perfect. Such an amazing voice and an actress who keeps you entranced watching her perform. Lyn will be very much missed.
The score is spectacular. Songs that grip and captivate you. I particularly enjoyed Mickey and Eddie’s childlike duets including ‘That Guy’ which made me smile and giggle. Patmore and Owens were the perfect pair to play the twins. Considering Andy Owens was stepping in, the performance was astounding and I would like to see him playing the role again when I next come to see it. He made the perfect Eddie and was my favourite performer of the show.
Robbie Scotcher does a fabulous job as the narrator. A powerful presence on the stage with a voice that is spellbinding. Every word, every breath, every moment – perfectly done.
Everyone gave an outstanding performance and I was so thankful to be sat, watching this show once again.
An astounding show that just gets better and better as it ages.
Disclaimer: I was invited along to review the show, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.