Blood Brothers at the Oxford Playhouse Review

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

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

There are few musicals which have stood the test of time like Willy Russell’s legendary Blood Brothers. The multi-award-winning musical, produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd, has been wowing audiences for over thirty years and is now on a UK tour and showing at the Oxford Playhouse from 22–26 September.

The show tells the tragic story of the Johnstone twins, who the Narrator tells us “were born and who died on the self-same day”. Set in Liverpool, twins Eddie and Mickey are separated at birth and grow up in very different households, one raised in poverty and the other by a wealthy family. Of course, the two children eventually meet by chance and, not knowing they are brothers, are naturally drawn to each other and forming a pact, they become blood brothers. It is a classic tale of fate which grips, emotionally connects and completely entertains from start to finish.

The performance is powerful and deeply emotional, at times raw and painful but also full of laugh-out-loud comedy moments and lots of fun. The audience really has to strap in for a roller-coaster of a ride, with lots of laughter and tears. There is strong language throughout and nothing is held back, with an advisable age being 12+.

One of the reasons Blood Brothers has remained iconic for so many years is the way it depicts difficult themes such as poverty, class divide and nurture versus nature in such a relatable way, with those themes being as relevant now as ever.

This production is blessed by an incredibly talented cast who all work hard throughout, with high energy and passion to bring the larger-than-life characters to the stage. The story is very well paced and constructed, which makes it easy to follow and connect with.

Sean Jones as Mickey and Joe Sleight as Eddie give brilliant and completely convincing portrayals of the twins, capturing their different personalities as they change over time from cheeky young children, to teenagers and then young adults.

Kristofer Harding commands the stage as the Narrator, with a strong, knowing presence. Harding’s constant lurking presence, reminding us of the fate which awaits the twins and revealing dark secrets and superstitions adds to the tension and suspense.

Vivienne Carlyle plays the iconic character of Mrs Johnstone to perfection, capturing the essence of her strong and resilient character with empathy and sensitivity. Her rendition of the finale song, ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ was sublime.

As for the music – the band were superb and Blood Brothers has certainly not been a smash-hit musical without it! With a brilliant score, the music works perfectly with the story and adds to both the fun and emotional moments.

Having been affectionately christened ‘the Standing Ovation’ musical, Blood Brothers lived up to expectations – the standing ovation was instantaneous. With a powerful and mesmerising story and a tremendous score, all delivered by an outstanding cast, Blood Brothers ticks all the boxes for a great night out.

Rating: 5/5

Blood Brothers, runs from Tuesday 22nd September to Saturday 22nd September 2026 at the Oxford Playhouse for more information or to book tickets visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com