Review: Blood Brothers, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
THE brilliantly performed opening night of Blood Brothers at Mayflower Theatre Southampton received a well-deserved rousing standing ovation from the audience.
The award-wining show, written by Willy Russell, takes you on a rollercoaster journey of humour and heartache, with moments of sheer comedy interspersed with scenes of utter devastation.
Set in Liverpool in the 1960s it follows the captivating tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.
Niki Colwell Evans was outstanding in her performance of single mother of many, Mrs Johnstone, who reluctantly agrees to give away one of her newborns to her employer, Mrs Lyons, as she struggles with so many hungry mouths to feed.
Niki first came into the public eye in 2007 when she auditioned for ITV’s X-Factor, coming fourth in the show.
It was easy to see why Niki has performed the role of Mrs Johnstone previously in London’s West End, with her powerful vocals and talented acting repertoire.
Sarah Jane Buckley, best known for playing Kathy Barnes in Channel 4’s soap, Hollyoaks, starred as Mrs Lyons, a rich woman who is unable to have children with her husband, who frequently works away.
She seizes her chance to gain a much longed-for child after realising Mrs Johnston’s predicament, promising her that she can see her son everyday while working her job cleaning the Lyons’ opulent home.
However, Mrs Lyons’ increasing paranoia that their dark secret will be discovered leads to the more privileged family moving away for a fresh start.
Despite this, the boys’ lives become intertwined and they become firm friends as they grow older together despite their differences, still unaware of their binding connection.
Sean Jones, whose has performed the role of son Mickey for more than two decades in the touring production and in the West End, gave a stellar performance as the twin chosen to remain with the poorer Johnstone family.
His transformation from an innocent young seven-year-old to a troubled adult struggling with his mental health was simply impressive, and almost felt as if you had been watching two different actors.
Joe Sleight’s well-performed portrayal of posh but innocent son Eddie – a role he has also previously been cast in on the West End – was also faultless.
The play is held together by narrator Scott Anson, who reprises the role having previously performed on the UK tour 20 years ago.
His dark presence – often lurking in the shadows – and strong vocals throughout the show serves to remind Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons that the past cannot be forgotten, however hard they try to run from it.
A special mention must be given to the supporting cast members – many of whom play more than one role – for bringing energy to the show alongside the main characters.
The set was simple, but well-designed, and clever changes to the props helps the audience to place themselves in the changing locations of the play.
Catchy numbers such as A Bright New Day and Miss Jones give a fun, upbeat feel to the production, thanks to the presence of the live band, alongside the well-known Tell Me It’s Not True and Easy Terms which will have you reaching for the tissues.
The show runs until 2nd March. For tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk
