To pack the story of one lifetime into a single play in a way that makes sense is no mean feat. But to get two lifetimes and an audience who gasp in shock at the end is spectacular.
I’d never seen Blood Brothers before, much to the surprise of some of the rest of the press pool, but I’m glad. To feel, see, experience and absorb this production for the first time is unforgettable and I got to do that with my son Logan.
I’ve been taking Logan to the theatre for a few years with me now and, at 12 years old, he never ceases to amaze me at how open he is to any subject, any genre, any production. Not once has he not enjoyed a production – which is more than I can say for me. But I don’t believe in bad reviews so you’ll never see me write about something I don’t like, I’m not a critic (too many reviewers forget there’s a massive difference between a reviewer and a critic!).
I digress, both Logan and I felt the production was a little slow to start, but on reflection I realise that it needs to be. The pace picks up in tandem to the story and so it makes perfect sense.
In a nutshell the story is about twin brothers separated at birth who grow up in different social classes before reuniting with tragic consequences. It follows Mickey and Edward, who become friends and form a “blood brothers” bond, unaware of their true relationship. The production explores themes of class struggle, superstition and fate, culminating in a dramatic and emotional ending.
Vivienne Carlyle leads the cast as Mrs. Johnstone and she’s fantastic at times likeable, at time you get frustrated by her and at times you will wonder what’s going on in her head. I loved her portrayal of the strong, yet vulnerable, mother.
But…it cannot be ignored that Sean Jones’ portrayal of Mickey is a rollercoaster of emotion. He’s the cheeky child you love to meet and secretly wish you could have been, he’s the cheeky chappy teenager whose just desperate to be loved and to love, he’s the man who just wanted to be the right kind of guy, to impress his brother, provide for his family and do the right thing. But sometimes pursuit of the right thing can lead to the wrong thing as it did for Mickey. Sean’s ability to move from a cute, lovable, hilarious character to a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders and an inability to see a way out is transformative to the story. We all want a friend like Mickey, we all know someone who used to be an Eddie but has lost their way.
Joe Sleight brings to life twin brother Eddie and his depiction of innocence, wonder, discovery and curiosity starkly highlights the different paths each boy/man followed in their lives. Ultimately, he is the real innocent victim in it all but as all good stories should be, it’s a complicated tale to tell.
Gemma Brodrick reprised her role as Linda with Kristofer Harding as the Narrator, Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons and Danny Knott as Perkins. Also on stage are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Francesca Benton-Stace (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), and Latesha Karisa (Brenda), Tim Churchill (Mr. Lyons), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor).
Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. The music is captivating, engaging and well timed throughout and the standing ovation by the Belfast crowd at the end is testament to the powerful production that it is.
In Belfast the production has a totally different element as the you hear the shock, gasps and visible collective generational trauma spill out in one moment of surprise.
And for Logan? He loved it, he said the ending was “shocking and traumatic” lol but he is 12 and everything in life is “more”.
Definitely worth going to see, Blood Brothers runs until Saturday 8th November >> goh.co.uk/whats-on/blood-brothersÂ