Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I'm going to give my review of a show I went to see on 12th July 2023.
On this day I went to watch Blood Brothers with a good friend who I do a lot of acting work with and also someone who used to go to Grantham College. This was her first time seeing the show, whereas this was my third time seeing it. This show focused on Mickey and Eddie, who were separated at birth due to their mother Mrs Johnstone, not being able to keep both, with keeping Mickey whilst Eddie was given away to a wealthy family, who were struggling to have children. By chance they meet and become best friends, not knowing they are brothers. However, this show has the theme of superstition, so in this case, if they both find out they're twins separated at birth, they both immediately die. I won't give too many spoilers away, but if anyone has seen or read the show, then you'll know what happens in the end.
The songs in the show never got old. One of which was "Kids Game". This was a group song where we first see Linda and she, Mickey, his brother Sammy and other children played Cowboys and Indians. The lyrics were catchy as always and it was certainly an earworm tune. But Tell Me It's Not True was the true star of the show. The emotion and power Mrs Johnstone puts into it, it's so raw and vulnerable. Anyone who sings that song on shows like Britain's Got Talent or the voice, give yourself a medal. One song I will take with me for the next time I see this show.
What I also like about this show is that the same actors who portray of Mickey, Eddie, Linda (their friend who later on fight for her after they both fall in love with her) and various other characters play each of their role at different ages. So they go from 7 in Act 1, then transition to 14 at the start of Act 2, then transition to 18, then to their 20s at the end of the show. You would think that they would need actors at that age to play those roles, but the tiniest details like movements, voices and gestures say otherwise.
The cast were incredible and the setting was amazing. One actor that stood out for me in particular was Sean Jones, playing the role of Michael "Mickey" Johnstone. He was the same actor who played Mickey when I went to see it twice at school, once in 2015 and the other in 2016. It's safe to say that he has still got that talent where he can go from an innocent kid to a adult trying to get through each on medication after his service in prison.
Another actor that stood out for me was Joe Slight, who played the role of Edward "Eddie" Lyons, and Mickeys Twin brother given away to a upper class family. He had an adorable cheeky personality about him, with not only a great voice, but also the transition his character goes through childhood to adulthood. And it's safe to say that after he sung "I'm not saying a word" (The song where Eddie admits his true feelings for Linda), I definitely have a bit of a crush on him, and if a gentlemen sung me a song like that, I would marry him in a heartbeat :)
Mrs Johnstone was played by Niki Colwell Evans, who made her first public appearance on The X Factor. Her voice was amazing, and even though I may not have seen her in the series she was in, I can see why in her bio she claimed huge success. A lot of well-known celebrities get backlash when performing in shows', as I know some people want to give those who are in training and not well known a chance. Whilst I understand what they mean, as sometimes having someone who doesn't have a named profile is brilliant, having well-known celebrities providing they fit the role and are talented, is a good way to make ticket sales. And maybe also if some well known actors take a break, then a platform like musical theatre is a good gateway, as they get to do what they love.
There were some drawbacks to the show. It wasn't even with the show itself, but it's from the audience that could've made the day better. During the show a few of the schools came in, one of which I saw a familiar face as he worked at a school where I used to rehearse for my shows. I understand they're young and kids will be kids, but they must respect the facts that when it comes to the characters making revelations that are dramatic, if you can help it, try not to be too dramatic. But obviously on the funny parts laugh, as this musical is also a comedy.
I must admit, whilst I've never seen any of these casts in other stuff, their faces do look familiar. As I looked at Timothy Lucas, who played Sammy, Mickey's older brother, and I swear I've seen him in other stuff before. But you get actors who have a face that you recognise but as soon as you've seen what they've been in, that's when you know the face. So maybe I need to research him and the other actors more to find out myself.
However, one moment that still gets me to this day even though I feel it coming, is the gun shot at the end of the show. Again, I won't give away too many spoilers, but at the end of the show in a councilor's office, if you see Sean Jones or whoever plays Mickey in the production of Blood Brothers with a gun, cover your ears is all I can say.
And of course I had to get some merchandise, like I do with every show I see. This time I was within my budget. With the rising cost of living crisis, I didn't think I would afford anything other than a programme. Thankfully that wasn't the case, but for next months budget, I will definitely see what I can and can't afford.
Overall, this was definitely a show well worth watching for a third time. A show which was my first time experiencing a musical at a very young age and will always be a show that will be in my heart forever. And if it comes to Nottingham for a 4th time, or if there's a chance to even audition for it, then I could possibly not pass on that opportunity!
And that's my review of a show I saw. I hope everyone enjoyed this read and be sure to stay tuned for another blog.
Until next time...
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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