Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers
Milton Keynes Theatre (UK Tour)
Review Complete
“Tell me it's not true. Sorry. it is Brilliant”
26th August 2025
It must be fifteen years since I last saw Blood Brothers in the West End. One of my all-time favourite shows. It was my privilege and absolute delight to be able to see it again at Milton Keynes.
The play follows the lives of Mickey and Edward, twin brothers separated at birth. Mickey, the youngest of seven brought up by their struggling, single mum Mrs Johnstone. Contrastingly Edward, brought up as a single child by a privileged, well-to-do couple, Mr and Mrs Lyons.
It explores how their different social environments shape their lives. The story begins in the 1960s, with the twins being born, and spans through their childhood and into adulthood, concluding in the 1980s.
The run-down 60’s street scene of Liverpool is a familiar, timeless picture on stage. Set and prop changes were executed seamlessly by the cast.
Clever lighting design and expert execution highlighted the multiple, changing moods throughout the musical.
I got the overall impression that the cast, as a whole were one large group of friends and completely immersed themselves in their roles. No weaknesses but several notable performances. Mrs Johnstone played by Vivienne Carlyle was a phenomenal character and we were treated to several glimpses of her exceptional singing voice.
All had their scouse accents off to a tee (With the exception of the snobbish Mr and Mrs Lyons of course) played by Tim Churchill and Paula Tappenden.
The rough and ready ‘Mickey’, played by Sean Jones was excellent. Anyone would think he’d been playing the part for years. The contrasting character of Danny Knott’s ‘Edward’ was equally believable and just as amusing.
Sammy, the oldest brother and a thuggish bully was amply portrayed by Michael Gillette. The lovely and lovable Gemma Brodrick as Linda also gave a stand-out performance.
Finally, a perfect performance by Kristopher Harding as the shadowy narrator flawlessly tied the whole show together. He showed much skill in putting across the superstition that surrounded the lives of the people of the time.
In conclusion: At the very beginning of the bows, the appreciative audience rose as one to give a standing ovation the likes of which I have seldom seen. Many of the cast were visibly moved to tears as were numerous members of the audience.
Reviewer: John Lynch
Photography: With original contributor
We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.