Bill Kenwright's legendary production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers is exploding on Waterside’s stage in Aylesbury this week. Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks.
It’s the early 1960’s and Mrs Johnstone finds herself pregnant again, but this time she is newly single and expecting twins. She is struggling to make ends meet but grateful for her cleaning job. Her employer, Mrs Lyons is childless but when she finds out that Mrs Johnstone is carrying twins, she suggests that Mrs Johnstone gives one of the twins to her. Mrs Johnstone reluctantly agrees thinking she will be able to still see him every day at work and her baby will have a lovely life with a bike and a bed of his own. Once the deed is done, Mrs Lyons doesn’t want his real mum anywhere near her baby so dismisses Mrs Johnstone. Both mothers are heavy with the guilt of what they have done. By pure chance the twins meet as seven-year-olds and after learning they share the same birthday, the two boys make a pact to become blood brothers. This show is always an emotional rollercoaster and always leaves me in tears. This piece of genius writing is written by Willy Russell, who is one of this country's leading contemporary dramatists. His other credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.
I was delighted to read that Sean Jones is back as Mickey. He is the ultimate Mickey and his presence on the stage is magnetic; you can’t stop watching him. Sean’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he really is in control of all our emotions. Eddie is the rich twin and is played by Joe Sleight. Joe is easily the best Eddie I have ever seen. Joe delivers Eddie’s lack of social understanding, despite the quality of his education, brilliantly. Together Sean and Joe are dynamite on stage. The iconic role of Mrs Johnstone is played by Vivienne Carlyle, and she is delivers a fantastic performance. Vivienne’s acting is tangible, and I feel her every emotion and she absolutely nailed the Liverpudlian accent.
Mrs Lyons is not a nice character. I have never warmed to her even though it must have been so difficult to live with what she had done. However, Sarah Jane Buckley is amazing in the role. You almost feel empathy for her and despite me having seen this show six times, this is the first time I have ever tried to understand Mrs Lyons. Sarah Jane is a true talent. The Narrator is played by Sean Keany. Dressed a bit like Liverpool mafia, he tells us the story and helps us understand the nuances of the show. He is almost playing a devil or at least playing devil's advocate. He is fabulous in the role and again one of the best I have seen. The cast are exemplary.
You don’t want to miss this show! Four curtain calls to a full house offering a standing ovation on a Tuesday night. That’s how good this show is. Did I cry? Of course I did. I was an emotional wreck for the whole car journey home.
Blood Brothers is at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until 1 February then continues its UK tour.
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