Blood Brothers At Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review

Reviewed by Sandra McGhee

Staff were friendly and welcoming as always.  Upon entering the stalls looking around there was only the odd seat empty so practically a full house which didn’t really surprise me as this show is one of the best ever, I’ve seen.  Everyone had made a real effort to be out on a dark wet winter night, all looking so happy to be entertained and intrigued to see what was in store.  The mix of ages varied from teenagers to older generation.

I was delighted to attend this review which the show is coming up to its 40^th anniversary next year.  It was a long time ago when I first saw this successful musical in the West End many years ago, think late eighties.  Always been one of my all-time favourites so was very happy to attend and watch this at a local theatre along with my 18-year-old daughter who has seen it with me before again a few years back. 

I have never forgot how powerful the story of two twins being separated at birth was the first time I saw this musical and couldn’t wait to see this again.  The storyline means so much more to me now having my own 2 sons in their early twenties.  I couldn’t imagine what that decision could have been like for Mrs Johnstone giving up one of her twins literally a day or so after being born and splitting them up.   Those two journeys of the boys were so far apart from one extreme to another, beautifully illustrated throughout the evening one son being brought up with struggles of poverty and the other a very rich life and upbringing!  Little Mickey ended up in prison desperate for money after being laid off from factory work and Eddie going to university and being a well-established business professional.

Throughout the evening the story unfolds showing how hard life was then real hardship and a real eye opener, these young families on the breadline having their furniture taken away no food or money.

Lovely seeing the boys make such good friends from the first time they meet at the grand age of 7 almost 8 so innocent not knowing they were twin brothers then being reunited some years later after Eddie had moved away to the country. Mickey’s family were relocated later and the chances of them meeting again was fate.  Again, they hung out and had a very close bond along with Linda.  However, things changed unfortunately which forced an end to their friendship with Mickey’s meddling adopted Mum spreading untrue rumours which Mickey unfortunately believed as truth. 

The musical cleverly written by Willy Russell was absolutely brilliant had the audience captivated the whole duration of the show from start to finish.  The narrator Richard Munday broke the fourth wall he kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.  He really did add value communicating the story throughout using Brechtian methods along with singing the devil got your number (which was quite catchy) no end of times. 

The main cast’s performance superb.  Each character played their role so well, was just totally perfect.  Big shout out to Niki Evans who played Mrs Johnstone, Sean Jones as Mickey, Jay Worley, Eddie, Paula Tappenden, Mrs Lyons, Tim Churchill, Mr Jones, Timothy Lucas as Sammy and of course Carley Burns casting as wonderful Linda. 

My daughter and I looked at each other towards the end of story when out of nowhere there were police in the audience running around, I don’t remember this previously so again a good final touch.  The End though very sad and moving.

You must go and see for yourself, happy times innocent kids having their first kiss, lots of dancing happy go lucky kids growing up.  Some laughter and smutty jokes here and there but also some sad times reality of how it was back in the day.  Dark times (including poor Mickey relying on medication to get through his day) this was sad as at the start his character was so full of energy and likeable.   You will not be disappointed.  Standing ovation at the end, so deserved witnessing members of public emotionally upset in tears!

Big applause for the whole cast and creative team, extraordinary, powerful, and poignant.  Can’t wait to see it again most definitely remains in my top 5, don’t ever change a thing keep it as it is.

Rating: 5****

Showing until Saturday 19^th November 2022

Tickets available from £13.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.80

Blood Brothers Tickets | Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury | ATG Tickets

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG