Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers at Leeds Grand Theatre
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Sarah Lou
Over 40 years ago Willy Russell wrote Blood Brothers back in 1981. The story is based in Liverpool and was first performed at the Liverpool Playhouse in January 1983. With over 40 years of success since hitting London’s West End what can I say that has not already been said before and without spoiling this legendary of a musical.
The story of twins separated at birth brought up in different social classes. a captivating and moving musical is being performed by the outstanding talented team at Bill Kenwright’s Productions and is one of only 3 musicals to have surpassed 10,000 performances at London’s West End.
The Story opens and is narrated by Scott Anson. Mrs. Johnstone being Played by Vivienne Carlyle and Josh Cappa takes on the role of Mickey. Sarah Jane Buckley plays Mrs. Lyons and Joe Sleight plays Edward/Eddie. Linda is portrayed by Gemma Brodrick being supported by James Ledsham as Sammy, Tim Churchill as Mr. Lyons and the rest of the cast taking on various roles are Alex Harland, Chloe Pole, Graeme Kinniburgh, Ben Mabberley, Dominic Gore and Jess Smith.
Scott Anson perfectly Narrates the story extremely well and his vocals are clear.
Set back in the 1960s Liverpool Blood Brothers is the story of twin boys separated at birth Mickey grows up with his birth mother and multiple siblings, his struggling single mother Mrs. J. is perfectly portrayed by Vivienne Carlyle. The working-class mother who struggles with the hardship of trying to provide for more kids than she can afford dealing with debts and wayward children she plays her part believably and beautifully, her powerful vocals and acting have you sucked from the start and you feel and relate to her emotional experiences throughout.
Mrs. J is manipulated into giving away one of her twins to her then employer Mrs. Lyons. Sarah Jane Buckley plays her part of the upper-class lady and delivers the two-faced character deviously well. I liked her wardrobe and again she sang beautifully and on stage and the women’s voices complemented each other greatly.
As the story goes Mrs. Lyons who can’t have children of her own convinces Mrs. J that if she takes one of the babies it will suit them both and will be the best solution. She convinces Mrs. J it will all work out and she will see the child while she works. Mrs. Lyons has her husband believe she has miraculously got pregnant by him just before he left town, and has given birth just before his return from a 9 month or so business trip. Giving one baby the life that the other can’t she brings up Edward to be the perfect well-read politely spoken middle class son his father always desired.
Act 1 sets the scene and lulls the audience into a false sense of security with catchy songs and entertaining scenes it is comical and fun. At almost 8 the Twins meet each for the first time and a posh Eddie and rough around the edges Mickey find out they share the same birthday.
They become blood brothers a friendship that takes me into their adulthood, along with another friend Linda. Josh Cappa, Joe Sleight and Gemma Brodrick all play their part brilliantly together, when playing children, they share great comedic timing and portray the innocence and quirkiness of kids brilliantly.
The more light hearted Act 1 does not at all prepare you for Act 2 as we watch the Children visibly age. Superstitions play a part through the musical and mental health and social differences hit hard in Act 2 as in the adult world as Edward take his part to university while the lives of Linda and Mickey take a different turn.
However I can’t spoil it any more you need to see the show for yourself, it is outstanding and bitter sweet with powerful hard hitting performances. It is brilliantly directed with a beautiful musical score and live orchestra, stunning effective scenery and a cast that fits together brilliantly.
It’s a 5 star show if you have not seen it you must, and if you have seen it then I imagine you could see it again with a different cast to enjoys it all over again as each actor will have a different perception on how they play their character and makes it their own.
Willy Russell’s Blood Brother at Leeds Grand Theatre
Running Dec 3rd to Dec 7th 2024 with Matinee and Evening performances
Prices £57-£26
For more information or to book tickets, visit leedsheritagetheatres.com.
Rating: 5/5