Oh brother! It’s another mustsee production
ONE of the most celebrated musicals ever is back in Bath following several previous tours to the theatre, and is once again playing to a packed house.
Willy Russell’s legendary Blood Brothers has everything – a terrific storyline and much-loved score, along with hilarious comedy and more than a dash of social realism that is still current today.
What started as a play first performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981 has gone on to surpass 10,000 performances in London, scooping numerous awards and triumphing in sell-out seasons across the globe.
The tale of twin boys separated at birth is narrated by Scott Anson (Coronation Street’s Reece Bolton), a shadowy figure in black, who is part auditor and part observer of the consequences of a Catholic mother who gives away one of her babies.
Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evans) is deserted by her feckless husband and left to bring up seven children alone in poverty. After he leaves she discovers that she is once again pregnant – with twins – and in desperation forms a secret pact, sworn on the Bible, with her childless employer.
Reluctantly she gives one twin Eddie (Joe Sleight) to the well-off Mrs Lyons (Sarah Jane Buckley, recently seen as Fairy Snowfall in Bath’s 2023 pantomime Sleeping Beauty), while Mickey (Sean Jones) stays with her.
Whether viewed as a curse on the mother or a judgment on class division, Blood Brothers tells the story of the two boys bonded by birth and by blood who grow up in very different circumstances. A twist of fate leads to tragic consequences in their later lives.
Niki Evans reprises the role that has previously won her rave reviews, her strong, fabulous voice featuring in such well-known songs as Marilyn Monroe, A Bright New Day and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True.
Sean Jones also reprises his role as Mickey, having previously performed in the musical in Bath on several occasions.
An absolute star as an energetic seven-year-old (nearly eight) whipcracking cowboy, he morphs seamlessly into the unemployed, drugaddicted depressive that he becomes.
The scenes that feature a growing kinship between the young Mickey and his posh twin, their run-ins with the local cops, and their friendship with Linda (Gemma Brodrick) as they become teenagers, are some of the funniest in the musical.
Childhood hopes and dreams offset the realities and hardships that await them in adult life and the tragic end is truly moving even though we have foreknowledge of it.
Ensemble performances are excellent, with an atmospheric set and lighting, and the accompaniment of a live band. The production is directed by Bob Tomson and the late Bill Kenwright, and resident director Tim Churchill.
A rapt audience took to its feet at the finale on Tuesday’s opening night with enthusiastic prolonged applause. Once again it’s a must-see production.
Blood Brothers appears at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday April 13. Call 01225 448844 or view www.theatreroyal.org.uk.