Blood Brothers at MK Theatre

Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th October 2012




I absolutely love the theatre and have enjoyed many great performances, but Blood Brothers (celebrating its 28th anniversary) just blew me away. From the moment the show opened until the very last note, it had the packed MK Theatre totally captivated. Now I know why this is one of the longest running British musicals and has been called “The musical for all time.”

Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is a heart wrenching story of twins, who are separated at birth, who grow up living very different lives but always seem to share an inner connection with each other without the true knowledge of why…until the very end. This story doesn't have a happy ending, it will move you to tears - I guarantee it.

This show has a fantastic score which includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the absolute tear jerker, Tell Me It’s Not True. The musicians led by musical director Kelvin Towse are superb - the icing to this quality production. The set is inspired, minimal yet realistic. I just loved the fact that Bill Kenwight, the shows producer and director is able to convey the message of his devotion to his beloved football club, Everton - with the club name graffiti-ed across the walls. It works so well, a touch of authenticity to the Liverpool inspired set - it's made even more believable by the outstanding talent of the entire cast.

There was a totally moving performance from the brilliant Niki Evans, who seems to have come a long way since appearing in the popular TV show X Factor back in 2007. She was superb in the role of Mrs. Johnstone, her acting ability faultless, and her vocal range strong and powerful. With each song she performed you could see that she felt every single word – outstanding.

Marti Pellow as the dark Narrator, fresh from his stint in the musical Jekyll & Hyde, shone in this role. He is enigmatic, charismatic and still has that twinkle in his eye.... Everyone should have a mention really - Sean Jones (Mickey) and Jorden Bird (Eddie) where absolutely fabulous! Grown men portraying seven year old lads and genuinely enjoying doing so, made it even more believable. I just loved every minute of their performance - they made me giggle at their naughtiness.

I have never encountered such an immediate reaction by an audience - a standing ovation for the cast, the whole theatre where on their feet before the last note had finished! This was a truly outstanding performance by a cast of very talented actors. This has got to be theatre at its very best – 5 star! PS…don’t forget your tissues!!

If you missed it at Milton Keynes Theatre....track it down. It's one musical not to be missed!

Lily B x