Having seen this show more than a number of times, you would think that nothing could surprise me with it, but each time I do see it, I am always pleasantly surprised that I come away having seen or learnt something different about the message of this story.
Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, this is a contemporary nature versus nurture plot, revolving around fraternal twins Mickey and Eddie, who were separated at birth, one subsequently being raised in a wealthy family, the other in a poor family. The different environments take the twins to opposite ends of the social spectrum.
In an uncertain world such as the one we are currently living in, the story of stark differences in opportunity between the poor and the privileged is never more relevant.
This is a hard hitting story that doesn’t need huge staging or visuals. A simple stage set, with a powerful plot and score is all it takes to allow this brilliant cast to entertain you.
Guided by the Narrator (played by Robbie Scotcher), the story weaves itself through the lives of two families – the Johnstone’s who are very poor, and the Lyon’s who are very wealthy. Scotcher repeatedly commands your attention with a strong vocal and firm direction of the story.
Niki Evans takes on the role of the desperate Mrs Johnstone, the matriarch, the single but dedicated mother, with 7 hungry mouths to feed and now with twins on the way.
Evans (a former X-factor contestant) has certainly found a place for her stunning voice with this role. She delivers such a strong and emotionally heart wrenching performance, up to a level of previous brilliant actresses playing Mrs J’, such as Stephanie Lawrence and Barbara Dickson.
Mrs Lyons (played by Paula Tappenden) sees an opportunity to help Mrs Johnstone with the desperate situation she has found herself in. Unable to have children of her own, she concocts a plan and convinces Mrs Johnston to give her one of the twins to bring up.
Tappenden cleverly draws you in with Mrs Lyon’s act of good intention, but equally shows a much darker side to her character.
Mickey (played by Josh Capper) and Eddie (played by Joel Benedict) are the eventually ill-fated twins, separated in a desperate act by two desperate women.
Both Capper and Benedict are brilliant together in these leading roles. As the young children they capture the innocence of their characters and then as they move through the years to adulthood, you can see the cracks in both of their lives taking its toll on their relationship.
Carly Burns gives us a confident and convincing Linda, the loyal yet troubled love interest of the twins.
With the rest of the supporting cast members often doubling up as various other characters throughout the show, they are integral to the success of this classic Willy Russell production! No matter how many times you have seen this show, this is well worth re-visiting!!
Currently touring the UK – Blood Brothers is playing the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 26th February 2022.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/palace-theatre-manchester/
Review by Glen Clancy
The Biz 