Blood Brothers, Richmond Theatre

Totally gripped, the audience of Richmond theatre were taken on an exhilarating roller coaster ride of emotions, from paroxysms of laughter to heartfelt sadness, set to the visceral beat of a captivating score that makes Blood Brothers such a spectacular musical.

Set in the grimey back streets of Liverpool the story tells of Mrs Johnstone, a spirited but impractical woman, struggling to manage when her husband walks out leaving her pregnant with twins. With already too many mouths to feed she makes a pact with her employer, the affluent Mrs Lyons to give her one of the babies, so the twins are parted and destined to lead two very different lives. One living in the impoverished circumstances of bread, jam and bailiffs the other in claustrophobic comfort. Desperate to keep her secret safe that her son Eddie is not truly hers, neurotic Mrs Lyons tries to keep the brothers apart, but unfortunately fate has other ideas.

Written by the author of Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, Willy Russell has a tremendous gift for penning compelling stories, that are funny yet keenly perceptive and cut to the core with life’s harsh realities. His characters are both enduring and touching. Not only does Blood Brothers exhibit all these qualities but Willy Russell also composed the music and lyrics, something unique. The shows haunting ballads are worked perfectly into the storyline and serve to heighten the emotional tension. Numbers including Marilyn Monroe and Tell Me It’s Not True are outstanding.

Due to the indisposition of Lyn Paul, the West End’s Vivienne Carlyle reprised her role as Mrs Johnstone and was simply superb. She played the part with great humour and sympathy and her lovely voice soared effortlessly through the medley of hits. This truly was an excellent cast many of whom were returning to the production again. Special mention needs to be made of Sean Jones and Paul Davies who played the brothers with huge energy and empathy.

Everything about Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright’s touring production sparkles with polish and panache. Blood Brothers has swept the board with awards and it is no wonder why, but this particular production is rather special and definitely not to be missed.

Liz Colbert