Blood Brothers, Darlington Hippodrome Review
2024 Production Photography by Jack Merriman
Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Blood Brothers, Willy Russell’s iconic musical, continues on its UK tour with a stop at the Darlington Hippodrome this week. A moving and powerful portrayal of family, fate, and social divide, this production brings fresh energy to the tale of Mickey and Eddie, twin brothers separated at birth and whose lives unfold in tragic parallel.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s-80s Liverpool, the narrative revolves around the themes of class, fate, and superstition, exploring how social and economic conditions can shape individual destinies. Mickey, raised in a struggling household, and Eddie, brought up in privilege, embody the contrasts of British society. Russell’s script cleverly highlights these differences combining humour and pathos, using the twins’ story to comment on the effects of class disparity, superstition, and nature versus nurture. Even after decades on stage, the story feels relevant, and the UK tour reaffirms its timeless resonance.
One of the strengths of this tour is its cast, particularly the actors portraying Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joe Sleight) who excel at the challenging task of aging their characters from childhood through adulthood. Mickey’s transition from playful innocence to a more tragic figure is handled with exceptional skill, capturing the heartache and desperation of his circumstances and Jones sat fully at ease in the role eking out every gradation to the complex character with perfection. Eddie’s journey is equally poignant, showing the contrast in their lives with subtle but effective nuances and Sleight brought endearing charm to the role.
Mrs. Johnstone (Vivienne Carlyle), the twins' biological mother, is another highlight. Situated as the heart of the story, her portrayal here brings warmth and heartbreak in equal measure, conveying the hope and despair of a mother forced into an impossible decision. Meanwhile, the Narrator (Scott Anson) – a shadowy figure who embodies fate and often appears at the edge of scenes – adds an eerie, almost supernatural presence. His commanding performance keeps the tension alive, foreshadowing the tragic climax in a way that haunts the production. Gemma Brodrick as Linda is another stand out performance embodying a crucial role in the unfolding tragedy between the two brothers with humour and heartbreak combined.
The tour’s direction emphasises the story’s balance between light and dark, keeping the audience on an emotional rollercoaster that is unrelenting. The set design, though minimalistic, is highly effective, using clever transitions and lighting to capture shifts in time and place. The contrasting worlds of Mickey’s and Eddie’s lives are represented through simple but meaningful visual elements, reinforcing the play’s themes without detracting from the performances. The music, written by Russell, is a crucial part of Blood Brothers’ success, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and the story. Signature songs like "Marilyn Monroe," "Easy Terms," and the devastating "Tell Me It’s Not True" deliver the play’s emotional beats powerfully. In this tour, the live orchestra adds an extra layer of intensity to the score, creating a raw and immersive experience and the music acts as an emotional throughline, effectively bridging the play’s lighter, nostalgic moments with its tragic conclusion. And what a conclusion this is - not a dry eye in the house between audience and actors, the emotion was powerful and palpable.
This UK tour of Blood Brothers is a testament as to why the musical has endured for so long. Through the outstanding performances, sharp direction, and emotionally powerful music, it’s a production that captures the raw human truths at the heart of Russell’s story. Whether a first-time viewer or a long-time fan, this tour offers a memorable, thought-provoking experience that reaffirms Blood Brothers as one of British theatre’s most moving stories. It truly is raw, relevant and emotional - a powerful, heart-wrenching masterpiece that lingers long after the final curtain.
★★★★★