Theatre Review - BLOOD BROTHERS - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

BLOOD Brothers continues to delight audiences through its seemingly never-ending tour and the latest production is certainly no different. The themes are timeless, telling the tragic story of the Johnstone twins who are separated at birth with their lives being intertwined, highlighting the differences in the system from the struggles of the working class to the wealth of the middle class.

Sean Jones plays Mickey to perfection taking the audience on a journey through his life from his youthful exuberance, as an almost 8-year-old, during the first act. To the much darker life as a desperate and broken man in jail who then struggles to adjust to a life with no future. The twin given away to a life of privilege, Eddie, is played superbly by Joe Sleight contrasting to Mickey through his innocence and lack of understanding. Scott Anson as the narrator is relatively understated in his performance moving through scenes interacting with the cast menacingly, whilst providing thought provoking moments especially during the scenes with Mrs Lyons as Sarah Jane Buckley. Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone gave a powerful performance with perfect vocals. You could feel the tension from the audience build towards the final scene culminating in ‘Tell Me It’s Not True.’

You can understand why this musical is still so popular, it’s incredibly well structured with a perfect mix of humour and darkness taking us through a range of emotions. The set and lighting complement the overall effect making this an outstanding evening’s entertainment.

The standing ovation is nothing more than the cast deserved.

Blood Brothers runs until Saturday 17^th November at Darlington Hippodrome.