Blood Brothers

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

A packed audience at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre on a Tuesday night is evidence of the pull Blood Brothers still has 28 years after its creation.

Willy Russell’s timeless classic tells the tale of Liverpudlian twins Mickey and Eddie, who were separated at birth - one went to a well-to-do couple who couldn’t have children and the other stayed with their birth mother.

Despite their different upbringings and attempts to keep them apart, their lives intertwine through friendship, genuine affection and a shared love interest that leads to tragedy.

Maureen Nolan plays the role of Mrs Johnstone, who - having been deserted by her husband - is forced to make a deal with the devil as she can’t afford to feed another two mouths.

Her employer Mrs Lyons (Tracy Spencer) is desperate to be a mother, but can’t conceive and convinces her to give up one of the twins on the promise he will have a good life and she’ll still be able to see him every day.

Unable to cope with the connection between her cleaner and the child, she breaks the deal, fires Mrs Johnstone and sentences herself to a lifetime of fear that her dark secret will be discovered.

The story is weaved together by narrator Warwick Evans, whose strong vocal and sinister omnipresence are on the money as the cast’s lives move from the city to the countryside.

Sean Jones gives a great performance as Mickey - a role he has played during the show’s run in the West End and on the national tour.

His portrayal of the cheeky seven (nearly eight)-year-old born on the wrong side of the tracks to the drug addicted criminal he becomes is both endearing and convincing.

Likewise, Mark Hutchinson who reprises his previous West End role of Eddie, and Olivia Sloyan as Linda - the woman between them - also win over the audience.

The emotional finale where the brothers born on the same day, die on the same day, was met with teary applause and followed by a standing ovation. Well deserved it was too.

Blood Brothers will be showing at Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, until Saturday, October 12. Book tickets online at www.atgtickets.com