Blood Brothers, Opening night in Cheltenham Everyman.
Blood Brothers opening night in Cheltenham was on 14th October and it was a delight to see this iconic show back in Cheltenham. Blood Brothers was the very first show we reviewed for Cheltenham Everyman Theatre a few years ago, and I believe Mrs Johnstone was played by Nikki Cowell Evans, who reprised her role back earlier in the year for the 100 years of the Liverpool Empire
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
For those who know, the show was originally opened on 8 January 1983, starring Barbara Dickson as the iconic Mrs Johnstone, the show was a modest success in terms of it running at the Liverpool Playhouse; the show transferred to the London's iconic West End; it was at the Lyric Theatre from 11th April 1983 until 22nd October 1983.
Most noticeably, the show then stayed in the West End from 1983 until 2012 when it closed; it was most noticeably at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End in 2012.
Since then, it has had many tours; and most noticeably, never really changed it has been performed thousands of times, with some of the most brilliant cast.
Vivienne Carlyle stars as Mrs Johnstone.
This tour, sees Vivienne Carlyle, Reprise her role as Mrs Johnstone in this most iconic role, Returning to play Mrs Lyons is Paula Tappenden a welcomed return after being away from the show for a few years. Paula, at certain performances plays Mrs Johnstone, something I would love to see, as I can't imagine, playing one mother and switching to the other, its an incredible talent to have.
At this performance, the role of Mickey, (Mrs Johnstones Son), is played by Dominic Gore. Eddie Lyons is played by Joe Sleight, We also welcomed back Tim Churchill who is the resident director, and Mr Lyons to the stage, who has been away for a brief period of time. Tim, like so many others have been with the show for a number of years.
For those who know the show, know the story of how Mrs Johnstone has got a job in Mrs Lyons house; cleaning and she is expecting twins, she is threatened by the Welfare for having too many mouths to feed; and is under threat of having one of them taken into care, when suddenly, Mrs Lyons suggests that she takes one of the children and care for it as if it was her owns and says to Mrs Johnstone that she would be able to see her son every day as she comes to work; Unfortunately; Mrs Lyons changes that; and says, that she had to go, this is when things, change. Mrs Johnstone, would wonder if she would ever see her other son again...
Mickey, who is born on July 18th, who's playing up near the "poshies" houses, when Eddie, (Yep, you've guessed it is Mrs Lyon's son). and they build a unlikely bond. Mrs J, (Mickeys mum) doesn't want Mickey, playing up near his house; but Eddie says that he is moving away from the other one as Mrs Lyon's health is bad and she wants a fresh start. The bond between these two are incredible, as they grow up as friends not knowing that they are brothers and separated at birth, and there's even a love triangle thrown in with Linda, who is played by Gemma Brodick, notably they grow up together and are in a relationship, with the help of Eddie who is obviously jealous! There are some incredible musical numbers; one of my favourites is Bright New Day; which settles the end of Act 1 nicely, as its a lively number, they've found out that Mrs J and the rest of the gang are being rehoused as they are pulling down their old accommodation, they are moving away, to the countryside to start a new life, not knowing that they are being moved closer to the Lyon's household and Mickey and Eddie become friends once more.
Heartbreaking Illness
In the performance of Blood Brothers, they cover some sad topics, which back in the day were not widely spoken about and was frowned upon for taking tablets for depression after Mickey being arrested wrongly for being involved in Sammy's crime; Mickey is released for good behaviour and Linda has been obviously seeing Eddie behind his back to secure a home and a job to try and get Mickey on the straight and narrow; unfortunately, there is a showdown between the two which is showing Mickey struggling after being off the tablets for a number of days, admitting he cannot cope without them. Linda disapproves of this and wants Mickey not to take those pills anymore, and there's a heated confrontation when Linda gives in; this is brilliantly portrayed by both Gemma and Dom, who really grasp the audience in their presences, showing what the affect has had on the pair of them, which for many of the audience may know of someone who has been affected by it.
For those who know the show, there is a show down in the council chambers, when Mrs Lyon's gets her what I would describe as "revenge"; showing Eddie and Linda having an intimate moment in the street.
The shows iconic moment is when the twins are reunited in the most horrible of circumstances; when Mrs Johnstone has to admit that she had them separated at birth (tissues ready) with a loaded gun, and armed response from the police; there's a horrific shoot out, both the boys who never knew that they were twins, finding out, and if you heard mrs Lyon's at the start of the separation, Mrs Lyon's warning Mrs J, that if the other one knows about the other one, they will both immediately die; which get to the final scene of act 2, unfortunately happens; there's a heartbreaking performance from Mrs Johnstone, singing "Tell Me Its Not True" which is heartbreaking as she has just watched both her sons die in front of her.
The cast, incredible.
Overall, the performances of the cast were amazing and it was a delight to see this iconic show back in Cheltenham. This show has standing ovations every night, for the heartfelt performances of the cast and there ability to perform every night to a sold out audience and will be remembered for years to come throughout several generations. If there is one piece of musical theatre you should see, see Blood Brothers. It's heartfelt, emotional and leaves you speechless.
The role of Mickey is normally played by Sean Jones, but at this performance was played by Dominic Gore, who should get a massive mention for his incredible portrayal of this character, it was a delight to see Dominic play the role and we really hope that we get the chance of seeing Dominic play the role again in the future.
The show runs until 18th October 2025 in Everyman Cheltenham, however there is limited number of seats left with most performances having single seats left.
Run Time 2hrs 50, Matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 14:00, and Evening performance Wed-Sat at 19:30. There's a caption performance on Thursday at 19:30.
As always, a big thanks to Encore PR for the invite, and Everyman Cheltenham for being so welcoming.
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