Blood Brothers – Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Book/Music/Lyrics: Willy Russell

Director: Bill Kenwright

Reviewer: Iris Beaumont

The Public Reviews Rating:

Willy Russell’s 80’s musical has now firmly found its place in musical theatre history. its story manages to touch the hearts of all who have seen it, and is still bringing the masses in troths to sell out performances across the country, and those who are lucky enough to see it onto their feet in rapturous applause and a just deserved standing ovation.

Living beyond your means has always been a problem that has plagued the working classes, and Mrs Johnstone is no different, struggling to meet ends meet for her children – her husband abandoning her pregnant with twins for a Marilyn Monroe lookalike and the Social services threatening preventive action she has no choice but to give one of her twins away…but not to anybody, she instead opts to help out her employer who is unable to have children, and with her husband away on work the time has never been more beneficial for both parties…but as well all know fairytale endings only ever belong in books, not life!

Russell’s touching and poignant musical is wrapped in superstition and through his provocative scoring and angst filled lyrics you can’t help but be emotionally touched by this heart breaking yet life affirming piece of theatre.

Kenwright may not always get his judgements right with his casts, but with Blood Brothers he manages to bring together a cast that gel so well, and always look like they are enjoying every moment on stage.

Playing the matriarchal role of Mrs Johnstone is X-Factors Nikki Evans, after many plaudits during her run in the West End it is clear to see why, she is a natural on stage with a warming and beautiful voice she manages to evoke even the hardest and coldest in the audience to tears with her portrayal, ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ has never sounded so raw and full of emotion.

Sean Jones & Paul Davies as the twins Mickey & Edward are superb, like chalk and cheese this pairing are electrifying and bring waves of laughter through their perfectly executed comic delivery, Blood Brothers stalwart Daniel Taylor gives excellent support as the bully boy brother Sammy and Kelly-Ann Gower as Linda adds that feminine touch and balances out proceedings perfectly.

Blood Brothers is simply sensational and should be offered as therapeutic treatment on the NHS, for it is a rare gem that manages to provoke so much emotion and showcase so much talent in 2 short hours. A must see!