There are few writers who can fuse emotions as well as Willy Russell – just as the standing ovation for the cast of Blood Brothers on opening night at the Lichfield Garrick showed.
The folk opera tale of two Liverpudlian twins separated at birth who later come back together with fateful consequences brought together moments of humour, sadness and a whole lot more as it began a short run at the city centre venue.
The story is a staple of the musical theatre genre and this production remains loyal to its roots. The example of how circumstance can be a barrier to – and provider of – opportunities is as relevant today as it was when first written, with Russell’s exceptional use of dialogue continuing to hold audiences firmly in its grip.
Clever staging allowed us to follow the characters from the challenges of the inner city to the relative luxury of Skelmersdale Lane, while the score continued to demonstrate just why Blood Brothers remains a popular draw across the globe.
This tour gives Tamworth’s Niki Colwell Evans the chance to showcase her vocal prowess – complete with Scouse twang – as Mrs Johnstone, while former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Lyons proved the perfect juxtaposition of these two women with very different lives.
Their conflicting experiences were echoed by Sean Jones and Joe Sleight as separated twins Mickey and Eddie. One a loveable rogue seemingly condemned to a future as bleak as the historic backstreets of Liverpool, the other enjoying the advantages of class and wealth.
Despite their differences, the audience were able to explore their similarities as the two actors took the brothers through their formative years thanks to some effective costume and staging changes, under the ever-watchful gaze of the imposing narrator, Danny Whitehead.
But a star of opening night was Jess Smith as Mickey’s childhood friend, Linda.
Making her professional musical theatre debut as part of the tour, she showed impressive characterisation throughout as Linda made the journey from schoolgirl to struggling housewife – the lucky Garrick audience may well have been fortunate to have witnessed some of the first steps of a fine career.
Blood Brothers is a powerful show packed with poignant moments and a cast worthy of every single moment of the standing ovation they received – and the many more they are sure to get during their stay in Lichfield.
The show is at the Garrick until Saturday (9th September). Ticket details are available here.
