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Blood Brothers is a must see!

I’m not sure if there’s a show that has ever made such a longstanding impact on me than Blood Brothers so attending the press night for it last night was such a full circle moment.

It was the first show that i ever saw on the West End, and one of the first professional shows I’d ever seen and I remember being completely and utterly blown away. What I truly love about Blood Brothers is you’ll laugh as much as you cry!

So, being able to see Blood Brothers UK Tour at Curve was such a momentous experience and it kept my love for Blood Brothers well and truly alive.

This is a show that will move you, it will make you laugh and it will break your heart. The portrayal of mental health, the innocence, the portrayal of class and social status, it’s a show that intertwines all these issues yet offers a comedic first act and a heartbreaking second act so well.

Upon the rise of the curtain, the stark contrast of the two houses is unmistaken. A promise of the opposing lives they are destined to lead. This representation continues with a looming narrator (Scott Anson) who provided a reminder of the differences in their status and class and a reminder of the devil quite literally breathing down their necks.

I thought Sean Jones and Joe Sleight as Mickey and Eddie respectively were outstanding. The playful mannerisms as children into complex adults was incredible. My only minor niggle would be that there is no way you could mistake them as identical twins, bringing question to the Mrs Lyons line where she mistakes Eddie for Mickey in the childhood locket. But, it’s theatre so we can let it slide.

Linda (Gemma Brodrick) and Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evans) were both also standout performances for me. Evans had such a wonderful singing voice, perfectly performing Tell Me It’s Not True and I can honestly say I was sobbing by this point! She was so naturally a Mrs Johnstone and was entirely comfortable in her role. Meanwhile, Brodrick delivered a beautiful performance as Linda. Transitioning naturally from a headstrong seven year old causing chaos with Mickey and Eddie, to her powerful performance as a crumbling wife.

Score wise, the songs also written by Willy Russell contain powerful lyrics that drive the story forward and emphasise emotion in an abundance. My favourites Marilyn Monroe and Tell Me It’s Not True were just as wonderful this week as the first time I heard them. I also enjoyed hearing Kid’s Game and getting those GCSE drama memories back.

Blood Brothers is at Curve until 27 April. If you are heading to see it, I’d recommend starting off at The Exchange for their Blood Brothers themed menu. The Mrs Lyons was lovely and you’ll get a discount with your theatre ticket.