Blood Brothers is an emotional morality tale which is all about the narrative, less about the music. Poor and fecund Mrs Johnstone discovers she is expecting twins shortly after starting work as a cleaner for rich infertile Mrs Lyons. With her husband having done a bunk and too many mouths to feed already, Mrs Johnstone agrees to let Mrs Lyons have one of her twins. Conveniently Mr Lyons is away on business for nine months, so Mrs Lyons is able to create the pretence of pregnancy, fooling everybody including her husband, into believing the baby is hers. The show’s narrator constantly warns of the consequences of their actions and is the voice of impending doom throughout.
Written by Willy Russell, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright (resident director Tim Churchill), the show opens to two bodies lying on stage, before going back in time to show us the events that led to this tragedy. The two female leads are, frankly, stereotypes – the poor but stoic and loving Mrs Johnstone and the rich, cold, scheming Mrs Lyons. Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone has a strong voice with a good range, which handles both the belted out numbers and the gentler melodies with confidence. She is convincing and likeable in the role, displaying the multiple emotions demanded with empathy and ease. Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Lyons has an equally impressive singing voice and the harmonies between the two women are particularly melodious. Buckley plays Mrs Lyons as a rather harsh and shallow woman, without evoking any sympathy as a woman longing for a child and unable to have one of her own, and with a husband who refuses to adopt. She handles the scene when she asks Mrs Johnstone to give her one of her babies with flippancy, instead of heart rending desperation as she pleads for a child. This is a pivotal moment in the whole narrative and one of the most poignant; such a shame it was thrown away.
But with that behind us, the rest of the show was a joy, with laughter and tears in equal measure all the way. Sean Jones provided heaps of laughs doing a brilliantly observed and hilarious performance as a “not seven, nearly eight” Micky, the twin Mrs Johnstone keeps. Joe Sleight as Eddie, the twin given to Mrs Lyons, is equally funny in a cleverly nuanced execution of an awfully nice, well-mannered boy who instantly connects with the ragamuffin kid he chances upon when out playing. With neither having any idea of who the other really is, the two become best friends in an instant and blood brothers for ever.
The ensemble cast give a master class in perfect timing and high energy performance, with some delightful vignettes such as the policeman and teacher. Scott Anson as the narrator is effectively discomforting, creating unease, and is a constant reminder that we should not feel too warm and fuzzy as we enjoy watching the two boys grow and bond over the years. Anson also shows us excellent comedic skills as the milkman and the gynaecologist. Gemma Brodrick plays Linda, girlfriend then wife of Micky and later, lover of Eddie. We see her grow from cheeky tomboy, to provocative teenager, then to anguished wife as she tries so lovingly to rescue the wretched Micky from the prescription drugs he has become addicted to whilst in prison. She turns for help and comfort to her friend Eddie, who she knows has always loved her. When Micky confronts Eddie in drug addled confusion, he pulls a gun, shoots and kills Eddie, an instant before he himself is killed by a police marksman. And so we are back where we started, with two bodies on the floor and their mother Mrs Johnstone kneeling between them, taking the hand of each and joining them together in death. Powerful stuff, and not a dry eye in the house.
Although the songs in this musical are easy on the ear and perfectly serviceable, they are rather forgettable. However every singer sells every number, nailing it to perfection. Music supervisor Matt Malone’s band thumps out the score sounding more like a full orchestra than a six strong combo. Credit must also go to lighting designer Nick Richings for creating some very striking effects, particularly the skies, and to set designer Andy Walmsley who keeps it simple, but effective and convincing.
This production of Blood Brothers is pretty close to perfect!
Blood Brothers is at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre until September 28th 2024.
Reviewer: H.S. Baker
Reviewed: 24th September 2024
North West End UK Rating: