BLOOD Brothers is one of the most powerful musicals I’ve seen and as soon as the first notes were played you could feel the emotion ooze through the theatre at Darlington Hippodrome.
The themes are timeless, telling the tragic story of the Johnstone twins who are separated at birth as their lives are destined on different journeys, as it highlights the differences in the class system. Sean Jones plays Mickey to perfection taking the audience on a journey through his life of poverty. His incredible performance takes us from his youthful exuberance during the first half to the broken man in jail who then struggles to adjust to a life with no future, where he has no control. The twin given away to a life of privilege, Eddie, is played superbly by Joel Benedict contrasting to Mickey through his innocence. Linda by Carly Burns linking brilliantly between the older twins. Robbie Scotcher is the best narrator I’ve seen. He lurks menacingly in the shadows, moving through scenes interacting with the cast providing crucial thought-provoking moments. Niki Evans as Mrs Johnstone, proves that she is not just an amazing singer, but also an incredible actress especially with the emotional final scene with Tell Me It’s Not True.
The standing ovation from the audience, with many in tears, was incredibly well received by the audience, you could clearly see what it meant to the entire cast as they looked physically drained full of emotion.
Blood Brothers runs at Darlington Hippodrome until Saturday 5th February
