Regional Theatre Review: Blood Brothers

Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers tells the story of twin boys separated at birth, who grow up across the class divide in Liverpool, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

It first debuted in the West End back in the 1980s and has enjoyed huge success in London and on various national tours since. The powerful story has lost none of its impact and covers subjects such as class, addiction and complicated dynamics between both family and friends. Fortunately there is also light relief with humour that will raise a smile and stir a laugh.

I saw the production at Milton Keynes Theatre (it’s currently touring until May 2026) where we were introduced to the long-suffering Mrs Johnstone, played by Vivienne Carlyle, who is living through poverty and the struggle of bringing up seven children as a single mother in 1950s Liverpool. 

The devoted mother reminisces about better times as she sings Marilyn Monroe and you can see how desperate she is to provide a better life for her children. Mrs Johnstone begins working as a cleaner for the wealthy Mr and Mrs Lyons (Tim Churchill & Paula Tappenden), the first step across the class divide on stage. Unable to have children herself and upon finding out that Mrs Johnstone is expecting twins, Mrs Lyons convinces her expectant cleaner to give her one of the babies when they are born, forcing her to swear on a bible. 

Here we are introduced to the Narrator, played by Kristofer Harding. His omniprescent character presents the fate that hangs over the separated twins and their mothers. The imposing Harding created an eerie presence over the characters and the theatre.

The separated brothers, Mickey and Edward grow up on stage in differing social classes, with Mickey (Sean Jones) playing imaginative and energetic games surrounded by his seven older siblings in the working class streets of Liverpool, whilst Edward (Danny Knott) lives a privileged and sheltered upbringing, until a chance meeting between the pair at seven years old, ‘nearly eight’ creates an unlikely friendship and when Mickey declares them ‘blood brothers’ because of their shared birthday.

The Johnstone children and their mischievous games, led by their older and trouble-seeking brother Sammy, are fun, high-energy and provide funny elements on stage, as they terrorise the neighbours and local postman, policeman and milkman. Alex Harland and Graeme Kinniburgh lead the supporting cast in a scattering of well-timed comedic additions to the performance.

Kids Game is a fun, foot-tapping musical number performed by Sammy and Mickey, their siblings and their neighbour Linda, who develops key relationships with the unsuspecting twins later on in the show.

Whilst Mickey and Eddie enjoy their young, harmless friendship, the two mothers are filled with fear and paranoia and the two boys are seperated once again. 

Act two begins seven years later, and the now 14-year-old Mickey is enjoying a happier life in his new home, where he has developed a close friendship and crush with Linda (Gemma Brodrick).

Despite being seperated, the boys have another chance encounter and along with Linda, they grow up through their teenage years, whilst Mrs Lyons grows increasingly paranoid and desperate to tear herself and her family from the Johnstones to hide her secret.

The show is an examination and criticism of the class divide and the contrasting lives of Mickey and Eddie continue to be presented despite their close bond. Whilst they enjoy fun teenage years, their futures loom over them.

When widespread job losses hit the factories of working class 1970s Britain, Mickey is plunged into tough financial circumstances and his life spirals out of control. At the same time, Eddie enjoys life away at university, not knowing of the life Mickey and Linda are living.

The song, Miss Jones, performed by Mr Lyons, Miss Jones and ensemble brings unemployment and the laissez faire attitude of the wealthy employers to the stage.

The final stages of the production engage with the theme of addiction in a powerful way. The show’s final number, Tell Me It’s Not True is performed emotionally by the full company, led by Vivienne Carlyle with unwavering, powerful vocals, whilst tears run down the face of Gemma Brodrick into the ovation. 

I think this touring production of Blood Brothers is a must-see. It engages with class, addiction and the relationships between family and friends, whilst maintaining elements of welcome humour.

The full company provided a brilliant performance and special credit must go to the show’s leading cast members who made me feel as though I was watching a real-life drama play out on the stage before me.