Blood Brothers

Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio

Castle Dyke

Lichfield

5th - 9th September 2023

Act I - 1 hour 15 minutes

Interval - 20 minutes

Act II - 1 hour 15 minutes

(timings are approximate)
 

 Bill Kenwright presents Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, a musical.  Book, Music and Lyrics by Willy Russell, Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright.

Blood Brothers is set in the 1960s and centres around the main themes of the dangers of inequality and injustice, friendship and loyalty, and growing up. The play by Liverpudlian playwright Willy Russell, revolves around twin boys Mickey and Edward, who are separated at birth and brought up in completely different environments in the city.

A word of caution that some members of the audience may be offended by the use of inappropriate language, some violence and the use of firearms. The production also contains sudden loud noises and scenes with flashing/flickering lights which may affect people with light sensitivity!

The play is delivered with perfection and passion, this being evident throughout and notably in the final scenes as life slips away! Few plays I have reviewed have received a standing ovation and a rapturous response of applause leaving you filled with mixed emotions! I must add not a dry eye in the house!!

A filled auditorium demonstrates the continued popularity of this play which attracts and appeals to a diverse and varied audience. The production begins as it ends and immediately upon opening, bursts into song. A score of instantly recognisable songs performed eloquently by a live orchestra creating an atmospheric presence with dramatic lighting enveloping the audience in scenes of intense uncertainty and tension.

Act one sets the scene, introducing us to the twins, the separation and the contrast between their lives and how friendships develop and unfold. The scenes are brought to life with powerful performances by Niki Colwell Evans (Mrs Johnstone) and her relationship with her children, the twins Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joe Sleight), with Danny Whitehead narrating throughout. Despite a change to the cast, which did not hinder the performance in fact it added an air of hilarity and suspense was the character of Linda; and so special mention must go to Jess Smith for her portrayal of Linda.

In comparison Act two addresses the latter years of the twins lives and even though it has a sprinkling of humour throughout, is very dark and tinged with great sadness and grief leaving you  with a ‘lump in your throat’ and tears in your eyes!

Blood Brothers is an absolute showstopper; theatre at its finest and very best!

I would like to wish the cast and production team all the very best with the remaining performances and the rest of the tour and to Lichfield Garrick for another outstanding production.

An outstanding five star performance for the quality of costume, choreography, song and set but mostly for the passion and vigour of the talented cast! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️