Blood Brothers - A Northern Theatre News Review

Last night’s performance of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford proved exactly why it continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. This multi‑award‑winning musical, set against the gritty backdrop of Liverpool, was brought to life with such emotional force, humour, and raw honesty that the entire theatre — from teenagers to pensioners — was completely enthralled.

From the moment the curtain rose, the cast’s impeccable Scouse accents grounded the story in its Liverpool roots. The narrative follows the heartbreaking tale of twin boys separated at birth: one raised in poverty by their birth mother, Mrs. Johnstone, and the other brought up in privilege by the wealthy family she works for. Despite their drastically different upbringings, fate draws them together, and their childhood friendship blossoms into a bond so strong they declare themselves “blood brothers” at just seven years old.

The actors’ portrayal of the twins as children was nothing short of delightful. Their cowboy-and-Indian escapades, complete with imaginary horses and exaggerated sound effects, had the audience roaring. Their voices, mannerisms, and wide‑eyed innocence were played with such charm that it was easy to forget these were adults on stage.

Sean Jones, as Mickey, delivered a performance that was nothing less than extraordinary. His transformation from a cheeky, snot‑nosed, irresistibly funny child into a broken, medicated, world‑weary man was devastating to watch. He didn’t just act older — he felt older. His voice slowed, his posture collapsed, and his entire presence seemed weighed down by life’s cruelties. It was a masterclass in character evolution.

The emotional range of the production was immense.  The show would swing from raucous humour, complete with crude jokes that had the theatre erupting in laughter, followed by scenes that were genuinely shocking, drawing audible gasps from the audience. Some scenes were so moving that tears streamed down not only the faces of the audience, but the cast themselves — a testament to how deeply they connected with their roles.

At the end of the show, the standing ovation was immediate, heartfelt, and thoroughly deserved.

Blood Brothers remains a powerful, timeless story. This particular performance was an absolute delight from start to finish, proving why this musical continues to resonate across generations.

Reviewer - Lisa Elliott
Production images - Jack Merriman

Cast

  • Mrs Johnstone, Vivienne Carlyle

  • Narrator, Kristofer Harding

  • Mickey, Sean Jones

  • Eddie, Joe Sleight

  • Linda, Gemma Brodrick

  • Mrs Lyons, Laura Harrison

  • Sammy, Michael Gillette

  • Mr Lyons, Tim Churchill

  • Policeman / Teacher, Alex Harland

  • Donna Marie / Miss Jones, Francesca Benton-Stace

  • Postman / Bus Conductor, Graeme Kinniburgh

  • Perkins, Danny Knott

  • Neighbour, Dominic Gore

  • Brenda, Latesha Karisa

Creative team

  • Writer, Willy Russell

  • Directors, Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

  • Resident Director, Tim Churchill

  • Musical Supervisor, Matt Malone

  • Designer, Andy Walmsley

  • Lighting Designer, Nick Richings

  • Sound Designer, Dan Samson