Review: BLOOD BROTHERS, New Theatre Oxford
Affectionately known as the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, Blood Brothers is a modern classic in British musical theatre. Audiences of this production will not be disappointed. The show remains an emotional rollercoaster, which may seem like an old cliché, but definitely fits the tale of the Johnstone twins!
Alex Patmore and Joel Benedict work beautifully opposite one another as Mickey and Eddie respectively, and expertly convey the innocence of childhood, the awkwardness of puberty and the pitfalls of adulthood. Many laughs are to be had early on in the show, as we watch the siblings meet, supposedly for the first time, and covet each other’s very different life styles, but as the tension ratchets throughout the second act, we are drawn into the melee of emotions experienced by not only Mickey and Eddie, but their Mothers and Linda - Mickey’s wife and the object of Eddie’s attraction.
It is the fantastic trio of Lyn Paul as Mrs Johnstone, Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons and Danielle Corlass as Linda who really steal the show. All three have played the roles previously, and their experience shines through their incredible performances and well practised vocals. Leading lady Lyn Paul draws the eye whenever she is on stage, and the anguish so artfully portrayed during ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ is heart-breaking. This superb finale has the audience on their feet before the last notes of the song are played.
This production is to be Paul’s farewell tour, after first playing Mrs Johnstone in the West End in 1997. She is ably supported by the talented ensemble cast, although there is a distinct lack of diversity displayed on the stage. With this, along with a few other elements, the production does feel a little dated. The lighting design is very reliant on gobo’s and coloured chases, which lack subtlety, and the frequent use of split stage direction is a little jarring at times.
Willy Russell’s fantastic and nuanced script is now a staple of the National Curriculum, as well as the core of this much loved show. All the elements of the piece - the social commentary, the foreshadowing and the poetry - are diligently adhered to. This production is a lesson in more than just English Literature though, it is an insight into an era of British theatre. While thoroughly enjoyable, audiences of the original West End and touring productions will notice very few changes, however the power of the story, told through some very strong performances, still achieves the standing ovation that the show is famed for.
***’ Three and a half stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
Blood Brothers is touring until Saturday 27 November, visiting Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Woking after completing its run in Oxford on Saturday 4 September. To book tickets, please click here.