Premiering nearly forty years ago, the musical Blood Brothers is a relevant and tear-jerking tale of twin Liverpudlian brothers, Mickey and Eddie, who in tragic and heart wrenching circumstances, are separated shortly after birth. The story is as applicable today as when first written. In today’s social climate, there are many families are struggling to make ends meet due to the ever increasing basic cost of living and the seemingly endless rise of fuel and energy prices all of which may be forcing some families to make significant sacrifices.

Single mother and poverty-stricken Mrs Johnstone, the mother to the twin boys, makes a heart breaking decision to give one of her twins to her wealthy employer Mrs Lyons, who is desperate for a child of her own but is unable to conceive.

Blood Brothers shines a spotlight on social injustices and the chasm that is created by social class division, as the two brothers grow up on contrasting sides of life, one rich and affluent wanting for nothing and whilst the other is penniless and under privileged.

The entire cast for this production of Blood Brothers are excellent and cannot be faulted.

Niki Colwell Evans as the careworn Mrs Johnstone, transfixes the audience taking them on a roller coaster of emotions as the story unfolds. Evans uses her wonderful vocal ability to great effect, holding the audience in the palm of her hand as she portrays her emotional pain. I’m sure that the audience also felt the terrible pain of a mother forced to part with a child in order to feed the rest of her family.

Mickey and Eddie were skilfully played to contrast the differing social circumstances of each boy’s upbringing. Sean Jones, as the younger twin Mickey, and Joe Sleight as Eddie the elder twin, convincingly portrayed their transition from friendship to alienation, and finally to a terrible conclusion as their lives violently collide.

The wealthy, but cold and callous Mrs Lyons played by Paula Tappenden effortlessly held the audience’s attention.

Richard Munday, as the narrator was excellent. He possessed a presence which could not be ignored whenever he was on stage (which was for much of performance).

The Directors, Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson, have ensured that the action moves along at a pace, with slick scene changes. Similarly, the creative team of Andy Walmsley (Designer), Nick Richings (Lighting) and Dan Samson (Sound) have together created a compelling visual and audible feast of heightened emotions, pain and ultimate tragedy.

Perhaps many in the audience have seen Blood Brothers before and for others, maybe this was the first time, but whichever category they fell into, the audience rose as one to reward the cast with a well-deserved and extended standing ovation. I have seen this show several times now and I can assure you that I will be seeing it again.