EntertainmentTheatre

Blood Brothers at the Regent Theatre Stoke Review

22-27 October 2018

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton 

Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is a musical that has all the grit, loads of laughs and plenty of heartache – making it one you will never forget. The play, by the man behind Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, emphasises class divide between rich and poor. Even though decades old, the production is a regular on the touring circuit and is still pertinent, masterfully weaving politics and gender identity, resonating with scores to this day.

Mother of seven, Mrs Johnstone (the wonderfully talented Linzi Hateley), struggles to put food on the table for her seven growing children and with her husband long gone and another baby on the way, life isn’t looking all peaches and cream for the ever-increasing family. Having been warned by the welfare that she needs to do a better job providing for her children, she makes the soul-destroying decision to sacrifice one of her expected twins by making a pact with the lonesome Mrs Lyons (Sarah Jane Buckley), Mrs J’s employer. In complete contrast to the former, Mrs Lyons lives an incredibly comfortable life, not wanting for anything but the one thing money can’t buy, a baby of her very own. Spending time in each other’s company, the two women open up to one another and not long after, the life altering pact is made.

Blood Brothers also has a narrator, who is continuously lingering on the stage, mainly in the background – reminding us how dark this saga is and will continue to become. Narrator Robbie Scotcher is quietly but brilliantly alarming, delivering only bad news when present on stage and looming ominously in the dark, sniggering at the back of the stage at much of the Scouse humour. Bill Kenwright’s passionate production respectfully illuminates Willy Russell’s cracking script, with a brilliantly, talented cast. Linzi Hateley is the cornerstone of the production and carries the show with outstanding vocals and the ability to portray Mrs Johnstone as so much more than a struggling, single mother. She is witty, genuine and the audience has sincere compassion for her predicament. I couldn’t help but choose team Johnstone! Hateley is the ultimate Mrs J.

Sean Jones plays a formidable Mickey, the twin Mrs J keeps. My heart broke while his life spiralled out of control. The same applies to Mark Hutchinson as Eddie, Mickey’s twin. The chemistry between the brothers is electric and therefore makes the finale even more upsetting. A Greek tragedy can hardly compare to our doomed conclusion.

Sarah Jane Buckley presents Mrs Lyons as a pitiful victim rather than a villain. She has a sense of longing and her pain is deep, I could feel her agony and suffering. Her vocals are as smooth as her character’s expensive new shoes.

The supporting cast are all wonderfully, talented, playing children, bus conductors, teachers, secretaries and milkmen. Special mention to Graham Martin as he has been with the show many times and moves between many different characters with the speed of a hunting cheetah.

Andy Walmsley’s set design exquisitely conveys the class divide seamlessly and Nick Richings’ lighting brilliantly portrayed the doom and gloom over the Johnstones.

By the time Linzi Hateley is singing Easy Terms and Living On The Never, Never, you will be so moved you will be booking a return visit. This terrific tale of two brothers separated at birth, will be in your blood. My theatre heart has been permanently altered, I am forever changed! Don’t miss the experience.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15.90 to £55.90 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).

Blood Brothers is at the Regent Theatre in Stoke from 22-27 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.

Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649

Show More
Back to top button