UK Theatre Network

Sometimes when you watch a musical the story gets lost as all you remember are some great songs, but with Blood Brothers the story is so strong you almost forget you’re watching a musical at times.  I imagine this is because Willy Russell wrote it as a play initially and toured schools around Liverpool, before composing the music himself to make this into one of the most popular and timeless musicals of our time.  Willy Russell is one of the country’s leading dramatists and his characters are always three dimensional, fully formed and very real people, as we know from Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita. He has the ability to write great comedy and intersperse that with drama making all his writing poignant, captivating and memorable.  In Blood Brothers he tells the story of twins separated at birth, who meet by chance and become best friends without knowing who the other is with tragic consequences.

The story is as much about the poverty and class struggles of the 1960s, as about the inexplicable bond between twins and how their lives intertwine. Mrs Johnstone is the warm-hearted mother who struggles to bring up seven children after her husband leaves.  Finding herself pregnant again with twins, her wealthy employer Mrs Lyons seizes her chance to become a mother herself and manipulates Mrs Johnstone into giving her one of the twins.   We know automatically that this is not going to be a ‘happily ever after’ solution, as Mrs Lyons' increasingly neurotic behaviour propels the story towards a dramatic and tragic ending.

Niki Evans gives an outstanding performance as the kindhearted and lovable Mrs Johnston.  We see the wonderful Scouse humour and empathise with her struggles, heartbreak and pain.  Niki has an amazing voice and after reaching the X Factor final in 2007, has gone on to carve an enviable career in musical theatre.

The story is narrated by Craig Price, who is no stranger to The Waterside and sang in ‘From West End to Waterside’ in one of the pre-launch shows last year.  Craig recently performed at the O2 anniversary concert for Les Miserables, having also performed in the West End in many productions and has toured in Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Martin Guerre.  He makes a rather sinister Narrator and I did find his Liverpool accent rather flat and monotone and felt he needed a bit more energy to nail it properly.

The central role of Mickey is played by Sean Jones, who gives a delightful performance as the young 7 year old playing cowboys with his friends.  We also saw him as a depressed and defeated man, whose life is shattered by redundancy and helping his criminal brother Sammy (Daniel Taylor) commit a crime.  Mickey’s separated twin Eddie (Chris Carswell) is the privileged, upper-class one who desperately wants to be Mickey’s best mate and have all the fun that he has.  Once they’re grown up and start spending more time with Linda (Anna Sambrooks) who is Mickey’s childhood friend who wants to be his girlfriend, trouble ensues as Eddie falls in love with her too.

Tracy Spencer is the cold-hearted, scheming, manipulative Mrs Lyons, which has to be one of the most difficult to play, as there are really no redeeming qualities in her character. 

This epic tale of Liverpool life has been running in London’s West End since 1988 and touring the UK since 1995. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time Blood Brothers has triumphed across the Globe, scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and Seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply unmissable and unbeatable.  The show is produced by Bill Kenwright who co-directs with Bob Tomson.  Lighting is designed by Mark Howett, Sound by Ben Harrison and Musical Supervisor is Rod Edwards.

This incredible show has some memorable songs including A Bright new Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. 

Blood Brothers  received a well-deserved standing ovation and if you’ve never seen it, or want to see it again because once will not be enough, make sure you don’t miss it at The Waterside.  Book your tickets at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgticket.com/aylesbury (bkg fee).

LISTINGS

Performances:   31 Oct – 5 Nov 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm
Tickets:   £11 - £31
Box Office:   0844 871 7607 (bkg fee)
Groups Hotline:  0844 871 7614
Access Booking: 0844 871 7677 (bkg fee)
Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury  (bkg fee)

Reviewed by:
Yvonne Delahaye
31.10.11