Did you hear the story of the Johnstone twins? The Willy Russell classic Blood Brothers returns to the Grand Opera House stage – delivering another powerful dose of the bittersweet tragedy.
Blood Brothers, a must-see for musical lovers and a guaranteed sell-out for theatres, continues on its latest UK tour. Not for the faint-hearted, this gripping tale delves into themes of class division and nature vs nurture, amongst many – as the audience embarks on a grappling journey commencing in 1950s Liverpool.
Blood Brothers is at the Grand Opera House York from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 April.
Vivienne Carlyle returns to the York stage, having previously performed as her counterpart Mrs Lyons, now taking top billing as our protagonist Mrs Johnstone. Armed with a powerful belt and maternal devotion, this never wavered as she carried the role throughout the decades and hardships.
And to whom does she devote such unwavering care? The two pins at the heart of this calamitous story – our Blood Brothers. These roles demand actors of the highest calibre, capable of effortlessly transitioning from playful childhood innocence to the turmoil of adulthood. Sean Jones returns as Mickey, delivering a gut-wrenching performance filled with raw vulnerability, while Joe Sleight as our Eddie remains endearingly naive yet irresistibly charming. Together, their onstage chemistry elevates Russell’s script, bringing its poignant emotional depth to life.
The set offered us exactly what we’d want and expect, the familiar streetscape with a low-hanging bridge, standing as a steady backdrop for the unfolding action. The raked stage added an unexpected intimacy, with the striking number ‘Take A Letter Miss Jones’ specifically benefiting from this. This clever staging enables the characters to linger so hauntingly in the background, no one more so than Seán Keany as our stoic Narrator. With a commanding presence and piercing eye contact, he guided each swift turn in the story with unsettling ease.
Blood Brothers is rare in its format – forget subtle foreshadowing, this musical opens with the ultimate spoiler. However, this does not lessen its impact, this revelation feels almost essential for its success. A constant sense of impending tragedy looms throughout, casting a shadow across each moment. As we watch our brothers grow, we cannot help but feel helpless as bystanders, knowing of the painful fate that awaits the pair.
Whilst tragedy and heavy themes run deep throughout Blood Brothers, it may be surprising to hear the comedic genius woven into the text. This is especially evident during the playful scenes between Mickey, Eddie and Linda as they navigate childhood and adolescence. A standout performance was offered from Gemma Brodrick as Linda, who seamlessly transitioned from a protective young girl, to a lovestruck teen, to finally a woman facing the impossible was exceptional. Each stage of her portrayal was just as superb as the former.
Under the expert musical supervision of Matt Malone and sound designer Dan Samson, the band and technical team worked together effortlessly to deliver a beautifully balanced score. From precisely placed echoes allowing each word to linger or the smooth switch of pace heightening the drama, each moment felt meticulously crafted. Alongside Nick Richings’ lighting design, each new chapter of the unfolding story was given its own distinguishable atmosphere.
Blood Brothers remains a timeless classic, proven by its frequent and much-anticipated return to stages across the country. With its thought-provoking themes, and a soundtrack which lingers long after the final curtain call, it’s clear this production will continue to captivate audiences for a long time to come.
Blood Brothers plays at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 5 April. Tickets start from £25 and are available online here.