Niki Colwell Evans & the cast of BLOOD BROTHERS. Photo: Jack Merriman
Carefully balancing moments of intensity with comedy, BLOOD BROTHERS continues to draw a crowd thanks to its compelling storyline, talented cast performance and instantly recognisable songs.
Few musicals can claim to be as popular as Willy Russell’s smash-hit show BLOOD BROTHERS. Since its premiere almost 40 years ago, the musical has surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End and has won multiple theatre awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Now in its 39th year, BLOOD BROTHERS makes a triumphant return to Salford’s The Lowry as part of a new UK tour.
Set in Liverpool in the mid-1980s, BLOOD BROTHERS tells the heart-wrenching tale of twin brothers who are separated at birth and grow up on opposite sides of the tracks. The captivating musical offers a fascinating and contemporary insight into nature versus nurture while also delving into themes of class division, family bonds and sibling rivalry.
Sean Jones & Joel Benedict in BLOOD BROTHERS. Photo: Jack Merriman
Playing to its strengths, this latest touring version of BLOOD BROTHERS doesn’t stray too far away from previous productions, leaning on its talented, well-honed cast and a well-executed creative team to carefully balance moments of intensity with comedy.
Directors Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright ensure the action moves along briskly, with Andy Walmsley’s simple yet effective set design allowing the audience to be absorbed by the story and its characters. The movement of time is aided nicely by Nick Riching’s poetic lighting and Dan Samson’s atmospheric sound, which aptly demonstrates the changing moods.
In the lead of Mrs Johnstone, Niki Colwell Evans is a delight to watch, her poignant and moving performance of TELL ME IT’S NOT TRUE leaving not a dry eye in the house. Evans is clearly experienced in the role, playing Mrs Johnstone during the show’s West End run and for much of its UK tour, and her ease with the character helps deliver a performance brimming with emotion and cause.
Sean Jones & the cast of BLOOD BROTHERS. Photo: Jack Merriman
As Mickey, Sean Jones is equally a pro, having had a long and successful association with the role. He expertly demonstrates Mickey’s mischievous persona, as well as his disintegration into dark depression as a young adult, and his chemistry with Jay Worley, as Eddie, is a joy to watch.
Elsewhere, Carly Burns shines as Linda, the soft-hearted girl visibly torn between her feelings for each brother, and Richard Munday is suitably sinister as the Narrator, as he sets the scene and menacingly lurks in the background.
But the real star of the show is the superb score played by a live band directed by Matt Malone. From the upbeat BRIGHT NEW DAY and MARILYN MONROE to the emotionally charged TELL ME IT’S NOT TRUE and EASY TERMS, the powerful score injects great drama and nuance into the story, pounding home the emotive scenes.
With its compelling storyline, talented cast performance and instantly recognisable songs, BLOOD BROTHERS is a show loved by many. Despite showing its age in parts, this powerful musical still has the power to make people cry. Whether it’s your first time seeing the show, or your 50th, be sure to take tissues!
BLOOD BROTHERS runs at The Lowry, Salford, until 22 October 2022.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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