To say that Willy Russell’s BLOOD BROTHERS is one of the most successful musicals of the last 40 years would be an understatement. The show isn’t one of those hi-tech, glamorous, flashy all singing and dancing productions, although there is a lot of singing, (not much dancing). This is a proper British show filled with pain, passion, grit and drama, and probably the most relatable story you’ll find on any stage.
The much-loved musical, known for sell out houses across the country, returns after a short break and gets to the Swansea Grand this evening. Now, it’s usually the ‘new kids on the block’ that garner a lot of publicity, but I can guarantee this well seasoned, epic story, will have you captivated from start to finish and leaving the theatre breathless. It continues to be as ‘Awesome’ as those first review all those years ago.
As with most of Willy Russell’s work (Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine) it is a woman at the heart of the story and Mrs Johnstone (NIKI COLWELL EVANS) is a heroine like no other. She’s a a single Mum, cleaning the house of a ‘well to do‘ woman, Mrs Lyons (PAULA TAPPENDEN) who she gives up one of her new twin babies to. She has another seven kids at home so her decision is easy to accept.
Despite the secret pact between these women, the boys, Mickey and Edward, the one who was given away, (SEAN JONES and JOE SLEIGHT), are drawn together through the most unlikely of friendships. They may be two brothers separated at birth and disconnected by class, but time and time again their paths collide.
Niki you may well remember from series 4 of The X Factor, back in 2007 where she reachedthe semi-final, mentored by Louis Walsh. After her debut solo single ‘Love Me No More’ in 2008, she went on to play the iconic role Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre between 2008-2009 and in 2010 where she received rave reviews from critics.
Completing the current cast for 2023 is DANNY WHITEHEAD (Narrator) and TIMOTHY LUCAS (Sammy), JOSH CAPPER (Neighbour), TIM CHURCHILL (Mr Lyons), JESS SMITH (Brenda), TORI HARGREAVES (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), CONNOR BANNISTER (Perkins), GRAEME KINNIBURGH (Postman/Bus Conductor), and NICK WILKES (Teacher/Policeman).
Blood Brothers is considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail).
This epic tale of Liverpool life actually started its life as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.
The superb score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
If you’ve watched the show, and we have seen this current production, which is jaw-dropping good, you will still jump at ‘that moment’. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know what I mean. It gets us every time, and even though you know what’s coming, you’ll still cry like it’s the first time.
I would urge you to grab a ticket and get along and see one of the best musicals around. It does come with a 12+ age recommendation, so be aware of that when you book your tickets.
BLOOD BROTHERS gets tot eh Swansea Grand from tonight (Tuesday 4th) through to Saturday 8th July. Performances are at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. There’s a whole range of prices starting at £29. For more details, and to make a booking, go HERE.
