Review of Blood Brothers at Sunderland Empire: Musical brings audience to their feet

The hit musical, written by Liverpudlian playwright Willy Russel, follows the story of twins brothers who grow up at the opposite ends of the class system after becoming separated at birth when a struggling single mum agrees to give one twin away to her employer, a rich housewife who is unable to have a child of her own.

Set in Liverpool during the 1960s, the captivating nature-verus-nurture plot takes the audience on a roller coaster of emotions.

Opening with the tragedy, the looming narrator, played by Robbie Scotcher, then tells the legendary tale from start to finish to portray the contrasting upbringings and journeys of long-lost brothers Mickey and Eddie.

Despite their mothers’ efforts to keep the pair apart, Mickey, the youngest of eight living in a run down council estate, and Eddie, an only child to a wealthy couple, become ‘best friends’ at just seven years old.

The iconic Mrs Johnstone is played by Lyn Paul who is now on her farewell tour after first donning the role in 1997. The role seems second nature to Paul who’s authentic portrayal of a struggling mum pulls on heartstrings as do her enduring scores such as Marilyn Monroe and Tell Me It’s Not True – which bring a tear to the eye.

It’s difficult not to feel for Mrs Lyons, played by Chloe Taylor, who slowly transitions from a kind and gentle housewife to an insecure ‘mother’ tormented with guilt, desperate to hide the truth.

The pairing of the twins is a tough act to follow but Alexander Patmore and Joel Benedict’s onstage chemistry is both convincing and compelling.

It’s impossible not to feel for lower-class Mickey as Patmore transitions from a funny, mischievous boy (who’s nearly eight), to a young man, too old for his years, battling depression.

Danielle Corlass, who play’s love interest Linda, adds to the heartbreaking image of a Mickey torn down by society.

The musical ends with the beautiful Liverpool skyline as the story hurtles towards its inevitable, but shocking, climax.

A tale of friendship, love and class, which, despite the jokes and the laughs, remains dramatic throughout with the ever-presence sense of impending tragedy as the powerful voice of the narrator looms in dark corners reminding them all a debt must be paid.