Blood Brothers At New Theatre, Oxford Review

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

Standing the test of time, Willy Russell’s multi-award-winning Blood Brothers has been running for over 30 years of acclaim and is now on tour and showing at the New Theatre, Oxford.

The New Theatre Oxford is an excellent venue, situated in the centre of the historic city. The theatre has an expansive and impressive auditorium, seats are comfortable with lots of leg room and it is completely access friendly. Although parking in Oxford is not always easy, there is an excellent Park and Ride service and the theatre is only a ten minute walk from both the railway and bus stations. Service is excellent and we were very well looked after throughout our visit.

Powerful, emotional and timeless, Blood Brothers is a show which simply stuns the audience into pin drop silence with moments of pure emotional brilliance. The production was mesmerising and truly outstanding from start to finish.

Telling the story of the Johnstone twins, the Narrator had us gripped with the words ‘who were born and who died on the self-same day’. Set in Liverpool, twins, Eddie and Mickey, born to a struggling young mother, are separated at birth – ‘one was kept and one given away’ – and go onto lead polar opposite lives, one raised in poverty and the other by the wealthy Lyons family. After meeting by chance, the two children, not knowing they are brothers, are drawn to each other and become close friends.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a roller-coaster of emotion, with both laughter and tears. The talented cast excel with superb acting and most convincing rise and fall of story telling.

Returning for her farewell tour in the role of Mrs Johnstone, after playing the part for 22 years, Lyn Paul is not to be missed. Paul’s performance is sublime, note perfect and with such empathy and sensitivity for this iconic character.

Alex Patmore is outstanding as Mickey, with superb realistic acting, transforming from an energetic and cheeky chap of 7 (nearly 8) years old to a young man in the depths of depression. His ‘I wish I was our Sammy’ monologue being one of the star moments of the show for me.

Joel Benedict as sweet, naive Eddie gives an excellent, charming performance with great depth and is convincing both as a young boy and as a likeable young man.

Robbie Scotcher stalks the stage as the Narrator with a strong, knowing presence, his powerful, commanding vocals are perfect for the part. The Narrator tells of darks secrets and superstitions loom with foreboding, which adds to the tension and suspense.

The hard working cast really do give it their all and make the most of every moment.

An evening of exceptional theatre, the standing ovation was richly deserved. Blood Brothers is a must see. Huge congratulations to the cast and production team.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13.00 plus transaction fee of £3.65
Blood Brothers is at New Theatre, Oxford from Tues 31st August – Sat 4th Sept 2021, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/new-theatre-oxford/ or call 0333 009 6690
24-26 George St, Oxford OX1 2AG