Blood Brothers by Willy Russell stopped in Glasgow this week as part of a national tour. It has been a west end regular since 1983 and has a strong legacy as one of only three musicals to surpass the milestone of 10000 performances on the London stage.
Affectionally referred to as the “standing ovation musical” Russell’s masterpiece tells the story of Mickey and Eddie – fraternal twins who were tragically separated at birth. Their mother, Mrs Johnstone, was unable to cope with the financial burden of two more mouths to feed as a single mother with an already over crowded home. Reluctantly Mrs Johnstone agrees to let the wealthy and prestigious Mrs Lyons take Eddie as her own son, as she has been unable to conceive herself. Both women swear never to tell the boys the truth, however after a chance meeting the boys become best friends and swear to be “blood brothers” forever. As the story evolves, with Mickey struggling and Eddie thriving from his privilege, both mothers battle to clear their conscience and keep their secret buried forever. However they also have to face the consequences of their decision.
The musical numbers may be less powerful than some of the traditional musical show stoppers but the story is clearly the strength of this production. Blood Brothers addresses very clearly the age old debate around the impact of environment and different classes on opportunities in life. Both boys are stereotypical of their family background. Mickey is much more street wise and “ rough and ready” in nature. He struggles with school and to try and stay on the straight and narrow to avoid following in the footsteps of his wayward older brother Eddie. However he also has to face the prejudice of others. At one poignant moment both Mickey and Eddie were caught creating mischief by the local policeman. However the policemans differing treatment of the two families highlighted how even as children they were treated differently due to their perceived backgrounds. The contrasting lives of the twins continues into their adulthood where Mickey battles unemployment, relationship struggles and mental health while Eddie continues to thrive in his education and eventual career path. Their lives could not be more shockingly different and despite being set in the 1980s there are lots of references which will resonate with todays audience.
The same actors portray their characters from age seven right through to adulthood. Their exaggerated characterisations of mischievous toddlers and hormonal teenagers drew many laughs from the audience with a quick-witted script and fabulous comic timing from the cast. However the narrator character ensured that the impending sense of doom was present between scenes and despite the laughter built the suspense until the final shocking and emotional ending.
It may have been set in the 1980s but Blood Brothers still has an important story to tell about the class divide and the impact on life opportunities. A thoroughly enjoyable, emotional and thought provoking tale that has truly earned its place as a west end classic