Review: BLOOD BROTHERS, Oxford Playhouse - Tour
Photo credit: Jack Merriman
Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is a phenomenon of British theatre. Returning to the Oxford Playhouse this week, it remains an unflinching, emotionally charged powerhouse of a musical. Having first experienced the show a quarter of a century ago, what strikes you most is just how remarkably unchanged it feels. Yet, far from feeling like a museum piece, at its heart remains a timeless, classic story - one that continues to resonate deeply through its poignant exploration of class divides, economic disparity, and the dark shadow of superstition.
Russell’s narrative of twin brothers separated at birth - one raised in comfortable, middle-class privilege, the other in working-class poverty - is as razor-sharp today as it was on its debut. The show’s tragic inevitability still hooks the audience from the opening overture, proving that a truly great story transcending generations needs little tinkering.
Built on haunting, recurring motifs rather than a endless succession of standalone numbers, the music acts almost as a character in its own right. From the uplifting, upbeat nostalgia of ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and the infectious joy of ‘Bright New Day’ to the brooding menace of ‘Shoes Upon the Table’, the score effortlessly shifts the mood from playful light to crushing dark. It’s a soundtrack that weaves itself tightly into the narrative fabric, ensuring the melodies stay with you long after the curtain falls.
That said, watching this current touring production leaves a slight feeling of déjà vu regarding the casting. While there are certainly some fresh faces breathing new energy into the ensemble, there are also familiar stalwarts who have been walking these Liverpool streets for years. While their polish and technical mastery are beyond question, it occasionally raises the whisper: is it perhaps time for a broader creative refresh to inject a new spark into this legendary tour?
When it comes to the lead, however, there is zero room for doubt. Vivienne Carlyle takes on the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone once again, and she is quite simply superb. Carlyle delivers a performance of blistering emotional depth, anchoring the entire production with warmth, desperation, and raw vocal power. Her rendition of ‘Tell Me It's Not True’ remains an absolute gut-punch, securing her place among the great interpreters of the role.
Sean Jones continues his remarkably durable turn as Mickey, masterfully managing the shift from spirited childhood innocence to broken adulthood, while Joe Sleight plays Eddie with just the right balance of naive charm and upper-class privilege. Tricia Adele-Turner brings a brittle, escalating hysteria to Mrs Lyons, and Kristofer Harding as the Narrator keeps the ominous pulse of fate ticking relentlessly in the background. We were blown away by his vocals! Beth Danher gives a wonderfully loveable and relatable performance as Linda. Danher captures the character's warmth, fierce loyalty, and heartbreak with complete authenticity.
Blood Brothers at Oxford Playhouse is a masterclass in classic storytelling. While the production might benefit from a breath of fresh air in future iterations, it remains one of the shows that we are glad to see is still touring and pulls at the heartstrings each and every time.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop