Theatre Royal Brighton – 10th – 14th February 2026
Superb performances and a story that still packs an emotional punch make Blood Brothers at the Theatre Royal Brighton an unmissable night at the theatre. Willy Russell’s acclaimed musical, with its tale of twins separated at birth and raised on opposite sides of Liverpool’s class divide, remains as gripping as ever, and this touring production understands exactly why it endures.
From the outset, the show wastes no time in setting up its central tragedy. Mrs Johnstone, already struggling to cope, makes the fateful decision to give one of her newborn twins to her employer, the childless and increasingly fragile Mrs Lyons. Bound together by a secret and a superstition, the two boys grow up unaware of the truth, forming an unlikely friendship that is both heart warming and quietly ominous.
Russell’s writing balances humour and heartbreak with impressive control, allowing the audience to laugh freely in the early scenes before tightening the screw in the second half.
Vivienne Carlyle’s Mrs Johnstone is the beating heart of the production. She brings warmth, grit and emotional honesty to the role, charting the character’s journey from spirited young mother to worn down parent with remarkable clarity.
Her singing voice is rich and expressive. Marilyn Monroe carries a sharp edge that hints at the disappointments beneath the bravado. By the time she delivers Tell Me It’s Not True, there is a rawness and power that cuts through the theatre. It is a performance rooted in truth rather than theatrics, and it anchors the entire evening.
Sean Jones gives a standout turn as Mickey. In the early scenes, as seven year old Mickey, he is all quick wit and cheeky charm, drawing genuine laughs with Russell’s sharp dialogue. As adulthood sets in and opportunities slip away, Jones shifts the tone with subtle precision. His portrayal of Mickey’s frustration and eventual despair never feels forced. Instead, it builds gradually, making the character’s downward spiral all the more affecting.
Opposite him, Joe Sleight’s Eddie is open, likeable and quietly complex. Sleight avoids playing him as simply privileged; there is curiosity and vulnerability in his performance that makes the bond between the two young men entirely believable. Their chemistry is central to the show’s impact, and here it feels natural and uncontrived.
Richard Munday’s Narrator is another highlight. He moves through the action with quiet authority and rich vocals, guiding the story without ever overshadowing it. There is a calm menace in his delivery that serves as a constant reminder that this is not a tale heading for a neat resolution. His presence threads the scenes together, giving the production a steady rhythm and an undercurrent of tension that never quite disappears.
The supporting cast contribute strongly, particularly in the ensemble numbers which are delivered powerfully. The set design is straightforward but effective, using levels and stark backdrops to evoke Liverpool streets and homes. This simplicity keeps the focus firmly on Russell’s words and music, which remain the driving force of the show.
Musically, the score still resonates. The recurring motifs weave through the narrative, reinforcing the themes of fate and inequality that sit at its core. The live orchestra supports the cast with sensitivity, ensuring that lyrics are never lost and that key moments land with full emotional weight.
Blood Brothers has been touring for decades, yet in Brighton, this musical feels anything but tired. The strength of the central performances, particularly from Carlyle, Jones, Sleight and Munday, lifts the production and gives fresh life to a familiar story.
It is funny, moving and, by the final scene, devastating. At the Theatre Royal Brighton, this classic musical proves once again that some stories refuse to lose their power. By the time the final curtain falls, the whole audience is on its feet and cheering.
Blood Brothers review – 5 stars
Image credit – Jack Merriman
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