Blood Brothers At New Victoria Theatre, Woking Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Kelly Victoria

Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers has to be one of the most infamous musicals in history having won multiple awards and being applauded by many.  So, as a huge musical theatre fan how have I gone my entire life not seeing it…

It was my turn to watch this much acclaimed show last night at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking and it’s safe to say, I’ve really been missing out.

Set in Liverpool, the story follows the journey of the Johnstone twins who have no idea that they’re actually related and meet by chance as young boys and become close friends.

Mrs Johnstone (played by Niki Colwell Evans) lives in hard times and has very little money to bring up her many children after her husband left her for another woman.  However, she soon finds out that she is pregnant again with twins.  This comes as a huge shock as she finds it a struggle to control, feed and provide for the many children she already has.

Mrs Johnstone finds herself a job as a cleaner for the affluent Mrs Lyons (played by Sarah Jane Buckley) whom she confides in telling her that she’s surprisingly expecting the twins.  Having never been able to fall pregnant herself she persuades Mrs Johnstone to hand over one of her boy twins for her to bring up as her own.

The show really starts to come alive as we’re introduced to the twins Mickey (played by Sean Jones) and Eddie (played by Joe Sleight) who we meet for the first time at the age of seven (nearly eight).  They happen to meet outside whilst playing and soon realise that not only are the same age, but also share the same birthday.  It’s on this day that they become blood brothers and the best of friends.

Eddie’s Mother becomes paranoid about the pairs friendship and so Eddie moves away to the countryside.  However, due to their council house being demolished the Johnstone family are also moved out to the countryside and by chance the brothers are soon reunited.

We are taken through the boy’s teen years when they both end up falling in love with their childhood friend Linda (played by Gemma Brodrick).  As an inseparable trio when they were young, their teen years are much the same.  But it’s Mickey that Lynda ends up marrying and having a child with.

Without entirely ruining the storyline, things take a turn and the story has a tragically sad ending.

The show finished with one of the most emotional charged performances that I’ve ever seen on stage.  Niki Colwell Evan’s performance of “Tell Me It’s Not True” was exceptional.  It’s safe to say that Niki left every part of her emotions laid bare on the stage and the performance left me sobbing in my seat.  It was truly one of the most incredible and memorable pieces of musical theatre that I’ve ever seen and will stay with me for a very long time.

The first half of the show treats us to the brothers and ensemble as children who perform with such amazing childlike qualities, hilarity and energy and they had the audience belly laughing and in the palm of their hand.

Whereas the second half takes a much darker turn as the boys turn into adults and Mickey finds himself having to face the pressures of becoming a man much earlier than he should.

Much of the cast are returning members to the show and perhaps that’s why their performances were so outstanding. Their passion for the show was very clear to see.

Sean Jones playing Mickey as a small child had boundless amounts of exuberant energy and was utterly hilarious and endearing providing many laughs and lots of snot wiping!  Whereas his portrayal of Mickey as an old before his time teen and adult is equally as dedicated and just as passionate, but in contrast was gritty and hard hitting.  Being able to emotionally commit to both parts of the character with such dedication – Sean’s performance was standout.

Nikki Colwell Jones as Mrs Johnstone was one of the most remarkable performers that I’ve ever seen.  Nikki’s rendition of “Tell Me It’s Not True” is something that will stay with me forever.  I’ve rarely seen an actress commit herself so emotionally on stage and there really aren’t enough words to describe just how insanely emotional the final scene was.

The entire house was on their feet to celebrate the powerhouse of a cast and their incredible performance.  Personally, I was clapping through tears and was still in awe of the most amazing and heart wrenching finish to the show.

I’d absolutely encourage you to book tickets for Blood Brothers and experience this most outstanding musical and phenomenal cast for yourself. Blood Brothers is a definite must see – with one of the most talented casts that I’ve seen in some time. Bravo to Blood Brothers – just off to book tickets to watch again…

The New Victoria Theatre in Woking is home to Blood Brothers from 16th to 20th January and tickets start from £13.

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/new-victoria-theatre/

Rating: 5/5