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BrumHour saw Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers at the invite of Birmingham Hippodrome.
For Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre, Niki Colwell Evans talked about playing Mrs Johnstone in the UK Tour of Blood Brothers. Listen below:
Review: Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers at Birmingham Hippodrome
⭐⭐⭐⭐”A tearjerker”
Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, written by Willy Russell
Known as the Standing Ovation Musical, Blood Brothers tells the tale of two brothers separated at birth and raised under very different circumstances. When they meet again, their friendship puts both their families to the test, with devastating consequences.
Willy Russell’s book, music, and lyrics have made this musical a legend, and it’s easy to see why. The story is truly a rollercoaster of emotions, with a lot of laugh-out-loud moments and an ending that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house.
Mrs Johnstone (Niki Colwell Evans) is the emotional heart of the musical, starting as a young, single mother struggling to keep food on the table, who makes a terrible decision in an attempt to save her family. Niki Colwell Evans does a remarkable job of portraying the impossible situation that Mrs Johnstone finds herself in, delicately balancing both the strength and vulnerability in the character. Her Liverpool accent is flawless too, and her rendition of the iconic Tell Me It’s Not True brought the audience to their feet (and at least one of her castmates surreptitiously wiping away tears during their bows).
Scott Anson’s Narrator is a looming, sinister presence throughout, always ready to twist a moment of happiness into an omen of doom. Unfortunately, in the first Act, his vocals were sometimes slightly overpowered by a too-loud orchestra.
Sean Jones (Mickey), Joe Sleight (Eddie), and Gemma Brodrick (Linda) have a tough job in delivering the twins and their childhood friend from the age of seven through to adulthood. All three are hilarious playing children, taking great delight in embodying a childlike physicality that is a joy to watch. As the characters age, the performances shift to show us awkward teenagers, blossoming adulthood, and the struggles of kids forced to grow up too soon.
The chemistry between Jones and Sleight is excellent. You really believe in their friendship, making it all the more heartbreaking when things begin to unravel and their bond is put to the test.
The whole cast is very strong, switching comfortably between the moments of humour, tension, and sadness. Russell’s wonderful songs are as fresh today as when they were written. Blood Brothers is a forever relevant tale of class, social inequality, and the desperate lengths people will go to. Take your tissues. It’s a tearjerker.
Blood Brothers is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 4 May 2024, Book tickets here: birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/blood-brothers-four.
