Smashing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’ve never seen this production, then you are 100% missing out. I’ve seen it in the West End and twice at Birmingham Hippodrome, and I could watch it again and again. It is everything that you could possibly wish for in a show.
Written by the talented Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is an outstanding musical that follows the poignant journey of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth. The twins, Mickey and Eddie, are born to a struggling single mother in Liverpool, Mrs Johnstone, who makes a difficult decision during hard times, to give one of her twins away to Mrs Lyons, the wife of a rich business man. It is a tale of two boys growing up in completely different social classes and, yet, having a bond so strong that they manage to find one another.
It is the first time I’ve seen Niki Colwell Evans play the role of Mrs Johnstone and I have to admit, before the show began I was worried it wouldn’t be the same as seeing Lyn Paul perform the role and I was right, it wasn’t the same – it was even better. And I never thought that could be possible! Niki delivers a sensational performance as Mrs Johnstone, leaving a lasting impact with each note sung. Her rendition of “Tell Me It’s Not True” is particularly moving, and “Marilyn Monroe” is a firm favourite for me too.
The current cast works incredibly well together, all complimenting one another. Scott Anson takes the role of Narrator, commanding the stage with an undeniable presence that draws in every audience member. Delivering each word and gesture with precision, Anson adds an extra layer of depth to the already compelling narrative, immersing the audience in the story with his strong storytelling abilities. His performance of “Shoes Upon the Table/Madman” was brilliant.
But the real emotions and love in this show will always be between Mickey and Eddie. Two brothers who the story is focused on. They are both fascinating to watch and bring both comedy and tears to the stage.
Sean Jones plays the role of Mickey in this tour and he might be my favourite Mickey to date. He balances the innocence of Mickeys youth with humour and the trials and tribulations of adulthood with sadness and vulnerability. It is a really compelling watch and numerous times I wanted to leap on the stage and give him a hug. I know it’s not real, but you get lost within this show, immersed into the story.
Sean and Joe Sleight (Eddie) give superb duets together. “Long Sunday Afternoon” and “That Guy” are great. Joe Sleight is the twin who gets given to Mrs Lyons (Sarah Jane Buckley). He is given the upper-class life of boarding school and university, his performance continually making the audience laugh loudly as he tries to fit on with Mickey, the boy on the hosting estate he isn’t meant to play with.
With an epic score, great acting, and phenomenal singing, Blood Brothers is a real must. This is the final stop before the end of the tour, so get tickets whilst you can. A riveting and powerful performance.
The show is at Birmingham Hippodrome until 4th May 2024.
Book your tickets here.
BSL interpreted show: 1st May at 7:30pm
Captioned show: 2nd May at 7:30pm
Audio described show: 4th May at 2:30pm.
Tickets start from £26.