I was lucky enough to attend press night for the opening night of Blood Brothers in Milton Keynes, and although I first saw it over 25 years ago, my memory of the story had faded apart from knowing that tissues would be required. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the emotional impact of seeing it again. As the final scene closed, the very first word I found myself saying was simply: WOW. This is undoubtedly a sad story, but it’s also full of warmth, laughter, and fun moments that draw you deeply into the lives of the characters.
Written by Willy Russell, Blood Brothers has become one of the most celebrated and enduring British musicals since its first performance in the early 1980’s. Its combination of humour, heartbreak, and social commentary has kept audiences coming back for decades. What makes the show so special is its ability to feel both intimate and universal — a story rooted in class and circumstance that still resonates with audiences of all generations.
At the heart of Blood Brothers is the tragic tale of twin brothers, separated at birth. One, Mickey, is raised in a struggling working-class family, while the other, Eddie, is given to a wealthy household. Neither boy knows of their shared blood, but their lives continue to cross in unexpected ways. We follow them from playful, mischievous children, through the awkwardness of adolescence, into adulthood, where the realities of class divide, opportunity, and fate begin to pull them apart. Without giving too much away, the story builds towards an ending that is as shocking as it is devastating, and yet it lingers in the mind because of the laughter and joy that came before.
The cast in this production were truly sensational. Sean Jones, in the role of Mickey, is a force of nature. Having played the part for many years, his performance feels effortless and utterly convincing, whether he’s bounding across the stage as a cheeky seven-year-old or portraying the raw struggles of adulthood. His journey is the emotional core of the show, and Jones delivers it with authenticity and power. Danny Knott, as Eddie, is equally compelling. He plays Eddie with a warmth and innocence that perfectly contrasts Mickey’s rougher edges, and the chemistry between the two is captivating from start to finish.
Gemma Brodrick brings humour, vulnerability, and charm to the role of Linda, the childhood friend who grows with the brothers, adding depth and tenderness to the story. And then there is Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone — Mickey and Eddie’s birth mother. She was nothing short of outstanding. Her voice soared through the theatre with such emotion that at times I felt goosebumps ripple down my arms, and at others, the tension in my shoulders was almost unbearable. Every note she sang, every word she spoke, carried an emotional truth that held the audience completely in her grip.
It would be impossible to talk about this production without highlighting the incredibly talented Kristoffer Harding as the Narrator. He is the constant, shadowy presence throughout the show — an almost otherworldly figure who reminds both the characters and the audience of the consequences of their choices and the lies that bind them together. He moves in and out of the action seamlessly, his presence both unsettling and magnetic. At times, his delivery feels like fate itself, looming and inevitable.
The staging was cleverly designed, seamlessly moving between the two contrasting worlds of Micky and Eddie. The transitions felt effortless, keeping the story flowing while highlighting the stark divide between their upbringings. For me, this was one of the finest examples of storytelling I’ve seen on stage – clear, creative, and powerful.
The music, lighting, and costumes tied everything together perfectly. The score is packed with emotion, with songs that are playful one moment and heart-wrenching the next. The lighting changes accentuate every mood, whether it’s the bright energy of childhood or the darker, more haunting tones of adulthood. Costumes also played their part in grounding the story in its time and underscoring the divide between privilege and poverty.
In the end, Blood Brothers is more than just a musical – it’s a masterclass in storytelling. It grips you, entertains you, and breaks your heart, all while making you laugh along the way. This production of Blood Brothers now proudly sits in my top five, (if not three) theatre experiences — unforgettable, powerful, and beautifully told.
Be warned: the show does touch on themes of depression, pills, and the stigma surrounding mental health “back in the day,” but this only adds to the raw honesty of the production.
Recommendation - Age guidance: 12+ No Under 5s allowed in venue. Under 16s must be accompanied at all times by an adult (18+).
