Blood Brothers – Palace Theatre

Before coming to the theatre, I was told by email that due to restrictions and guidelines there were a couple of cast changes to the evenings show. Once again understudies coming to the rescue so that shows can continue to bring joy, laughter and musical theatre to those who wish to seek it. It’s an incredible thing to see and witness before me on stage.

The show in question was Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. A story about The Johnstone twins, like each other as two new pins, of one womb born on self same day. How one was kept and one given away.

Mrs Johnstone (Niki Evans) was excited to start her new job as she was living hand to mouth with endless catalogue purchases and 7 hungry mouths to feed with one on the way. Or so she thought. It came to pass that she was expecting twins and made a binding agreement with her employer Mrs Lyon’s (Paula Tappenden) to give one baby away. The narrator of the story (Robbie Scotcher) was always a distant presence speaking tales of superstition.

Years past and we meet the twins aged 7 well nearly 8 Mickey (Josh Capper) was playing cowboys and Indians and spoke of his jealousy as his brother Sammy (Pete Washington) was allowed up later than him and could go to places he couldn’t because well Mickey was after all only 7 nearly 8. However, out popped Eddie Lyon’s (Joel Benedict) on the estate both fascinated with how each other spoke and dressed yet having no idea who each other really was. After finding out they were both born July 18th they became blood brothers. As the story progresses and we see these two become the closest of friends. Later in the story when they hit teen age. We saw Micky have feelings for Linda (Carly Burns). Linda loved to embarrass Mickey and tell anyone who’s listen she was in love with him, but like most of us at that age and some even in adulthood. We never know what to say without making an idiot of ourselves or mucking it up when asking someone out who we have feelings for. As the trio become older and life gets harder, we see how life isn’t always kids playing games and how sad is that.

Capper’s energy was brilliant as was his faultless comic timing. He reminded me of a young David Jason. Burns is an incredible comedienne and has an amazing future in the world of musical theatre.

There were moments yesterday where the lighting or microphones came on a tad late which was a little annoying however it didn’t bother myself to much. This was a great show and I always know if a show is good when you’re watching it and you forget you’re in a theatre. It was like I was a part of the action. If you’re travelling from afar to watch this show, double check train times. As it stated it would finish at 1015 but over ran by 15 mins and I just made the train back to Liverpool. Again, not a big issue but it’s best to be cautious when travelling.

There is a reason this show is such a hit and has audience coming time and time again to see the regular cast and in yesterday’s case the understudies. Because this show is so relevant even today despite opening 40 years ago. You laugh with the characters and cry with the characters you are so emotionally invested in the story you’re left wanting more.

It’s at the Manchester Palace Theatre for 2 weeks then moves on to the rest of the tour. Check if it’s in your area if it is book and go. Understudies or not you won’t be disappointed. I’m booking to see it again myself. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/palace-theatre-manchester/

Reviewer: Luke Stephenson

Reviewed: 15^th February 2022

North West End UK Rating:  ★★★★