Blood Brothers | Short Review

Laura Lott
Wednesday, January 22, 2025

The touring production of the Willy Russell classic delivers its message with humour and heart

The Cast Of Blood Brothers – Blood Brothers UK Tour 2024 (images credit: Jack Merriman)

Willy Russell's self-described ‘folk opera’ Blood Brothers is a frequent fixture on the UK touring theatre scene, and with good reason. The story is rooted firmly in Liverpool from the 1950s to 1980s, but its central theme of class disparity remains as relevant today as ever, and Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright's production delivers its message with humour and heart.

Leading the 2025 cast is Vivienne Carlyle, whose portrayal of Mrs Johnstone is immediately warm and engaging, and eventually quietly devastating with her tremulous rendition of ‘Tell Me It's Not True’.

Blood Brothers has been nicknamed ‘The Standing Ovation Musical’ and this production certainly justifies that reputation.

Blood Brothers tours the UK until 22 November 2025 (further 2025 dates and venues to be announced). For more information and tickets, visit kenright.com

You can read our full review in the March issue of Musicals magazine out 28 February 2025 – subscribe today!