Blood Brothers is a staple in British theatre, so when it was announced it would be coming to the legendary Edinburgh Playhouse, I was thrilled! Blood Brothers is a heart-wrenching tale of fate, class and the unbreakable ties of family. A powerful combination of gut-wrenching drama and moments of light-hearted comedy leave the audience in awe every time. The enduring relevance of Willy Russell’s kitchen-sink drama and the immeasurable talent of the cast and crew make for an incredible experience.
The story follows Mrs. Johnstone as she struggles being a single mother with another two babies on the way. Her employer Mrs. Lyons offers her a deal, she’ll raise one of the babies as her own, since she has had fertility issue, but Mrs. Johnstone would be able to see the child everyday as she cleaned the Lyon house. After a spurt of jealousy, Mrs. Lyons fires Mrs. Johnstone, telling her the twins must never meet. The two boys, Eddie and Mickey, are raised separately but as fate would have it, they meet and instantly become best friends. Despite spending almost every day together, the two become separated, fitting into their respective roles of middle-class success and the hardships of losing a job and turning to pills. The performance ends with a head to head between the two where it is finally revealed to them that they are not only blood brothers but biologically brothers.
The set design evokes the gritty atmosphere of 1960s-70s Liverpool, drawing the audience into the world of the boys’ upbringing. The set is a constant reminder of the division between Mickey and Eddie’s lives, offering a visual narrative to convey the emotional turmoil of the story.
Under Bob Tomson’s direction, the production creates an effective balance between humour and heartache. He crafts an environment that feels alive, where the audience can both laugh and cry with the characters. The lightheartedness of the first act is a crucial contrast to the devastation of the second, and Tomson ensures that every emotional beat lands with precision.
Vivienne Carlyle, as Mrs. Johnstone, truly shines as the heart and soul of the play. Her rich, emotive voice captivates the audience, conveying the weight of a mother’s pain and desperation. From the initial loss of giving up one son, to the tragic conclusion of losing both. Carlyle captures every moment with intensity. Her portrayal is vocally stunning and drenched in raw emotion. You feel every ounce of her heartbreak and guilt as her decisions unravel before her, leading to devastating consequences.
Sean Jones as Mickey and Joe Sleight as Eddie bring remarkable charm. Their youthfulness in the first act is delightful and fun, providing many of the play’s lighter moments. Jones nails the mischievous, rough-around-the-edges personality of Mickey, and his chemistry with Sleight’s more polished Eddie makes their early friendship both hilarious and heartwarming. Watching them play as children is one the most joyful moments of the production, which makes the eventual breakdown of their bond and the tragic ending even more crushing. The transformation of Mickey, especially, from carefree boy to broken man is deeply moving, and Jones handles this transition impressively.
Photo Credit : Bill Kenwright LTD
The overall theme of class conflict, with Mickey representing the working class and Eddie the middle class, feels as potent today as it did when Blood Brothers first premiered. However, in today’s world, where discussions about class and inequality have evolved, the script feels like it could use some freshening up. There’s a sense that the characters’ circumstances could be explored with even greater depth or modern relevance, which might make the production feel more immediate to younger audiences who are grappling with similar issues in new ways. I’d love to see a modern interpretation soon!
Blood Brothers remains a poignant, emotionally charged experience. This production, with its stellar performances and engaging direction packs a powerful punch. Prepare to be moved by this tragic tale of fate, family, and class—and to carry its message long after the final curtain falls.
Blood Brothers is playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse Wed 25th – Sat 28th September. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/edinburgh-playhouse/
Theatre Scotland 
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