Review by Sarah
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
From its very first moments, Blood Brothers sets a tone that is both haunting and emotionally charged. A darkened stage, underscored by droning strings and a sombre atmosphere, draws the audience into an opening rendition of “Tell Me It’s Not True” that is as chilling as it is beautiful. We are immediately confronted with death - two men, unknown to us. It is a striking beginning, far removed from the spectacle-driven opening numbers of a typical musical.
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| Joe Sleight, Gemma Brodrick and Sean Jones. Photo by Jack Merriman. |
Written by Willy Russell, the story unfolds as a deeply moving tale of twin brothers separated at birth and raised in contrasting social classes. Their diverging lives, shaped by circumstance, opportunity, and environment, ultimately collide with devastating consequences.
What is particularly compelling about this production is its simplicity. Eschewing modern theatrical trends of projections, elaborate video design, and complex moving sets, the staging instead transports us to 1960s Liverpool through a modest but effective backdrop of the Royal Liver Building and flanking terraced houses. Scene changes are fluid and unobtrusive, supported by minimal props. This stripped-back approach removes distraction, allowing the audience’s imagination to take hold. Through carefully crafted soundscapes and physical storytelling, we are fully immersed in to the world in front of us.
At the heart of the production is Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone. Her performance is nothing short of captivating. Vocally, she fills the auditorium with rich, emotive melodies that convey every ounce of her character’s hardship; from the devastation of needing to keep a forced promise, to the humiliation of belongings taken away, to the quiet anguish of watching her son struggle with poor mental health. Yet Carlyle also brings warmth and humour, presenting a mother who is deeply loving and loved by her children.
Equally impressive are Sean Jones and Joe Sleight as Mickey and Eddie, alongside Gemma Brodrick as Linda. Their characterisation is exceptional. From convincingly portraying carefree ‘ nearly eight-year-olds’ with clumsy physicality and playful innocence, to navigating the awkwardness of adolescence and the complexities of love as young adults, their performances are authentic. Jones, in particular, delivers a harrowing depiction of Mickey’s descent into depression and medication dependency - a portrayal that is both difficult to watch and deeply affecting, highlighting how societal understanding of mental health has evolved, while reminding us of its enduring challenges.
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| Sean Jones and Joe Sleight. Photo by Jack Merriman. |
Throughout the performance, a sense of inevitability looms. The opening has already foreshadowed tragedy, leaving the audience in a state of uneasy anticipation for over two hours. The live musical ensemble sustains this tension masterfully, never allowing it to fully dissipate. And yet, despite knowing what is to come, nothing prepares you for the emotional impact of the finale. A sea of jumps and faces in shock. An eye glance and quick whispered relief to the company in the next seat. The moment we had been awaiting, As the story reaches its devastating conclusion, the reprise of “Tell Me It’s Not True” lands with overwhelming force. The audience sits in stunned silence with tears streaming and bodies frozen, absorbing the enormity of what has unfolded.
Under the direction of Bob Thomson and Bill Kenwright, this touring production reaffirms why Blood Brothers has earned its reputation as the “Standing Ovation Musical.” It is not driven by spectacle, but by story, performance, and raw emotional truth.
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Blood Brothers plays at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough until Saturday 28th March 2026. Tickets are available from https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre/whats-on/blood-brothers
Blood Brothers continues on tour with dates booking throughout 2026 and 2027. For full tour dates visit https://www.kenwright.com/productions/blood-brothers-uk-tour/
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| Photo by Jack Merriman. |
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