Raw, Powerful, and Unforgettable!
Last night (28/08), Milton Keynes was swept up in one of the most emotional, gripping musicals ever written: Blood Brothers. I’ll admit, I know this show inside out because I teach it to my Year 9 students, so I walked in with high expectations. But honestly? Seeing it live completely blew me away. It is dramatic, funny, and heart-breaking all at once. By the time the curtain fell, I think the whole theatre had been through the wringer, and I mean that in the best possible way!
Blood Brothers is a story that explores big themes like family, friendship, and the differences between social classes. It shows how two boys, separated at birth, grow up in very different worlds: one in poverty, the other in wealth and how this shapes their lives. Ideas of fate and superstition run through the play, reminding the audience that some things feel impossible to escape.
From the opening moments, the atmosphere was electric. The production wastes no time in setting up its world and takes us back to Liverpool during the late 1950’s to 1980’s. The energy was relentless, yet beautifully controlled, and I was hooked from the very first scene. As I knew I would be.
At the centre of it all was Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone. What a performance! She was warm, earthy, and heartbreaking with vocals that soared in every number. She made you feel every ounce of her joy and her pain, and by the end, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Take your tissues for this one!
On the wealthier side of life, Paula Tappendens portrayal of Mrs. Lyons was nothing short of compelling. She expertly navigated the characters descent from a woman of privilege to one consumed by fear and obsession. Her performance highlighted Mrs. Lyons growing desperation to maintain control over the secret of the twins, adding layers of complexity to the role.
Throughout the show, the twins, Mickey and Edward, longed to be with each other. Sean Jones as Mickey and Joe Sleight as Eddie were simply brilliant. Watching their journey from mischievous childhood to tragic adulthood was both funny and devastating. Together, they had that spark of chemistry that made their bond completely believable.
Gemma Brodricks portrayal of Linda was both captivating and emotionally resonant. She brought a refreshing warmth and wit to the character, effectively capturing Lindas journey from a spirited young girl to a woman caught up in the complexities of love and loyalty. Her performance added depth, making her both relatable and unforgettable to the audience.
A stand out performance for me was by Kristofer Harding who played the Narrator. Wow. Every time he appeared, the mood in the theatre shifted. His voice cut through the action like thunder, and his presence gave the whole story a chilling weight. For me, he was the glue that held the production together, and his performance will stay with me for a long time. The Narrator is crucial because he guides the audience through the story, highlighting the characters choices and their consequences, and adds a haunting sense of fate that shapes the entire play, and Kristofer did just that!
The ensemble was equally strong, bringing humour, energy, and tragedy to every scene. One moment we were laughing at grown adults brilliantly playing cheeky seven year olds, and the next we were plunged into real, gut-punching drama. The contrast worked perfectly and kept the audience completely absorbed.
The set design was striking in its simplicity, with rows of houses, stark lighting, and just enough detail to capture Liverpools spirit. It gave the story space to breathe while always reminding us of the social divide at its heart.
The music is unforgettable. Songs like Marilyn Monroe, Bright New Day, and of course Tell Me It’s Not True were delivered with such passion and power that the theatre was utterly still in those final, devastating moments. You could almost hear people holding their breath.
Honestly, Blood Brothers is not just a musical, it is an experience. As someone who has studied, taught, and analysed it countless of times in the classroom, I can safely say that no amount of reading or rewatching clips online compares to the impact of seeing it performed live. Last nights cast reminded me exactly why this show is still one of the greatest British musicals ever written.
If you’re in Milton Keynes this week and want a night at the theatre that will make you laugh, cry, and think long after the curtain falls, then Blood Brothers is the show you need to see.
Be prepared, it is a rollercoaster. But what a ride!
Just to add. Blood Brothers is still taught in schools today because it explores universal themes that are easy for students to relate to, like friendship, family, social inequality, and the consequences of choices. Its mix of drama, music, and strong characters makes it engaging, while its lessons about fate, class, and responsibility encourage discussion and critical thinking in the classroom.
Blood Brothers UK Tour is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 30th August 2025. Tickets are available from £37.50 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
Reviewed by:
