Blood pact... Sean Jones and Joe Sleight star in Blood Brothers at His Majesty's. Image - Jack Merriman
For a musical as popular as Blood Brothers, which has been around for over four decades, it’s unusual to find someone who has yet to see it.
But last night I chatted to two audience members (one being my mum who is in her eighties) who were new to the play and director Bob Tomson’s touring production of the show, which opened to a near-full house audience at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Both, as anticipated, reported to me that they were captivated by the story and loved the music and lyrics.
And what’s not to love? Willy Russell’s script is, in my opinion, genius.
Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone and Scott Anson as the narrator bring Blood Brothers to life. Image - Jack Merriman
It flows like I imagine the River Mersey does on its journey from the Peak District to the docks in Liverpool, taking twists and turns along the way and connecting the urban and rural council estates where most the action takes place.
Set in 1960’s Liverpool the story tells the tale of the Johnstone family and two twins – Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joe Sleight) who are separated at birth.
The tragic fate of the story is revealed at the outset, yet the ending still evokes emotions of shock from the audience.
It’s equally tragic, miserable and dismal as it is joyful, optimistic and positive and it’s a story that remains as relevant today as it was when it was penned by Russell.
A rousing scene from Willy Russell's Blood Brothers. Image - Jack Merriman
Written in a Liverpool dialect the set design reinforces the location of the action with the bleak industrial city landscape, and Everton FC football graffiti being very tangible indications of its Liverpool roots.
Effectively narrated throughout by Scott Anson, for me the brilliance of the story relies on a standout performance by the central character, Mrs Johnstone.
And at last night ‘s opening performance Vivienne Carlyle stood out in the delivery of this latest touring production, as did the leading men Sean Jones and Joe Sleight, who play the twins through their different life stages as young boys to grown men.
All-singing, all-dancing Blood Brothers brought tears and laughter to His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Jack Merriman
That said, the entire cast of 13 are all talented actors who bring energy and genuine heart to this nostalgic working-class drama with brilliant vocals on the musical numbers, just as you would have expected from Marilyn Monroe!
I have seen Blood Brothers performed many times and last night’s adaptation did not disappoint. The nostalgic, tragic kitchen sink drama brought the audience to their feet, and rightly so.
Blood Brother runs at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday, October 5. For more information and tickets visit here
Review by Shona Byrne