Heading over to The Orchard West to see Blood Brothers last night, I was filled with excitement and expectation. This is not my first rodeo for this show, in fact I believe it is my fifth. There is something so wonderful about knowing you are going to be in good hands, and see some impeccable theatre, and yet again, this show did not disappoint.
One of the reasons I am able to enthusiastically re-visit Blood Brothers, time and time again, is the compelling storyline and stunning musical numbers. From the moment Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evans) begins, "Once I had a husband..." I'm hooked. Her power-house vocals echoed deliciously through the auditorium, her emotional and dynamic delivery drives the musical. The story is centred upon the moment she is given the unimaginable task of giving up one of her new-born twins, to Mrs Lyons, a wealthy woman who is unable to conceive her own children. From that decision, the characters embark on a journey that no-one can come out of well.
The twins, Mickey and Eddie, played expertly by Sean Jones and Joe Sleight happen to meet as seven year olds (nearly eight!) and form a lifelong bond, unknowing of their maternal connection. As superstition suggests, they must never learn they are twins, or fate will cause them to die, (they will be born, and they will die on the self-same day). The mothers do their best to keep them apart, however their bond is simply too strong. Jones and Sleight were a masterclass in acting, compelling, humorous and heart-breaking.
All the characters in this show are defined, and highlight the problematic British class divide. The cast were exceptional in playing their roles and had me in tears throughout, either through laughter or because I was so invested in their stories.
Gemma Brodrick, who plays Linda, Mickey's girlfriend, then wife took us on an emotional rollercoaster with her emotional and stirring performance. Without doubt, this is an Actor who puts her heart and soul into her performance, and she broke mine with her raw and layered performance of Linda.
Timothy Lucas played a hilarious and menacing Sammy, in equal parts. His mannerisms as a child were so realistic and well-observed, which contrasted so will with the dark adult he became.
The narrator in Blood Brothers is a delightfully sinister presence within the show, and Scott Anson was excellent as he delivered his part.
Blood Brothers is playing at The Orchard West, Dartford until Saturday before heading off to other theatres around the UK. Hilarious, heart-breaking and Jaw-dropping, Blood Brothers is one of the best musicals ever written, and I will keep returning at every opportunity.
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