Blood Brothers (UK Tour 2024)
Book, lyrics and music by Willy Russell
Directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright
The King's Theatre, Glasgow | 15 October 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A modern classic
When young mum Mrs Johnstone (Vivienne Carlyle), finds herself abandoned by her husband and left alone with seven hungry children to feed, the last thing she needs is to discover that she's pregnant again: this time with twins. In a moment of desperation, Mrs Johnstone makes a deal with her wealthy employer Mrs Lyons (Sarah Jane Buckley) which sees her twins grow up on opposite sides of the tracks. But it seems nothing can keep these boys apart...
Willy Russell's award-winning musical about twins separated at birth is over 40 years old now, but this latest Bill Kenwright production of the smash hit musical packs just as much punch as it ever did. A captivating tale of nature versus nurture, poverty versus wealth and the importance of friendship and family, Blood Brothers is a musical with a heartbreaking book that can stand up to the best dramatic play texts.
Set in the 1950's, Andy Walmsley's superb set design transports us effortlessly to the bustling back streets of inner-city Liverpool. The excellent ensemble cast play a plethora of characters from the kids playing on the cobbles, to the milkmen, the police and passers-by. It's a potent, believable setting: We are in no doubt that Mrs Johnstone is struggling, and that her large brood of children are a handful. When we are quickly and smoothly relocated to the Lyons' much more serene home via floating panels and elegant furnishings, it's clear that this is a practiced and polished stage production which doesn't waste any time with unnecessary distractions.
The details of Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyon's pact is overseen by an omnipresent narrator (Scott Anson.) There's something odd about the tone and sound effects used for this element of the show. The narrator's arrival on scene was often met with laughter from the audience, and I'm not sure that was the intention. He's meant to be a little dark; an eerie presence in our tale, but the melodramatic, jarring sounds and lights used to mark his arrival in this production had the opposite effect.
Music-wise, Blood Brothers has a beautiful score and joy! the songs are all played live here by Matt Malone and his talented band. Many of the best songs are repeated throughout the show with 'Marilyn Monroe' and 'Shoes upon the table' - the narrators funky "the devil's got your number" song featured often. But the highlight is the stunning 'Tell Me It's Not True' sung to perfection just the once by the incredible Vivienne Carlyle.
For me, 'Tell Me It's Not True' is one of the best musical theatre songs ever written; it never fails to leave me in floods of tears.
Scottish actor Vivienne Carlyle reportedly received nightly standing ovations for her powerful turn as Mrs Johnstone in the West End production of Blood Brothers and it's clear to see why. She's outstanding. Playing to her home crowd at Glasgow's King's Theatre last night, the emotion could be felt throughout the auditorium. A special moment.
The lead actors in this production of Blood Brothers are all superb with many of them reprising their roles from the West End or from previous tours. Joe Selight's Eddie and Gemma Brodrick's Linda are fabulous, and Sean Jones' Mickey is one of the finest character performances I've seen on stage this year. He's utterly mesmerising, hilarious and devastating all at the same time. A truly remarkable performance from Jones.
The full cast are strong, and wow are they put through the wringer at every performance. This must be a tough but rewarding show to perform in. I'd actually forgotten just how funny Blood Brothers is - Russell's book is very well balanced and those sparkling moments of childhood gaiety are much appreciated against the harrowing, tragic nature of the central story.
Few musicals have endured as Blood Brothers has: Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway. This new UK Tour production of the story upholds that incredible legacy - the staging, cast and direction are all first-rate. I would like to see a few tweaks here and there, but with Willy's Russell's exquisite book, lyrics and music at its core, Blood Brothers is a modern classic of musical theatre. If you haven't seen it yet, this tour production will not disappoint. It's a stunning piece of theatre; but do take your tissues.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blood Brothers is at The King's Theatre, Glasgow from Tues 15 to Sat 19 October 2024 then continues on tour through 2025 | Jump to tour listings & tickets
📸 production photos: Jack Merriman
Blood Brothers Cast
Vivienne Carlyle Mrs. Johnstone
Sean Jones Mickey
Joe Sleight Eddie
Gemma Brodrick Linda
Sarah Jane Buckley Mrs Lyons
Scott Anson Narrator
Tim Churchill Mr Lyons
Chloe Pole Donna Marie
Alex Harland Policeman/Teacher
Graeme Kinniburgh Postman/Bus Conductor
Jess Smith Brenda
James Ledsham Sammy
Ben Mabberley Perkins
Dominic Gore Neighbour
Blood Brothers tickets
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Blood Brothers is at The King's Theatre, Glasgow from Tues 15 to Sat 19 October 2024 then continues on tour through 2025.
⚠️ Age guidance 12+ | Running time: approx 2 hours 45 mins including interval
King's Theatre, Glasgow
15 - 19 October 2024
Tickets from £15 atg.com/Glasgow
What's on Glasgow Theatre
➡️ Coming soon to Glasgow King's Theatre: 101 Dalmatians, Bat Out of Hell, Dear Evan Hansen and Tina!
➡️ Coming soon to The Theatre Royal, Glasgow: Only fools and Horses the musical, Disney's Aladdin, SIX, War Horse and Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake!
Now on sale now at Edinburgh Playhouse
Blood Brothers review, UK Tour 2024, Glasgow, Glasgow King's Theatre, Willy Russell, Bill Kenwright, BKL Productions.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
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