Starting in the 1950s and journeying through to the 1980s, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers tells the story of the Johnstone twins, Eddie (Joe Sleight) and Mickey (Sean Jones), who are separated at birth and raised at different ends of the ‘class’ spectrum.

The brothers are brought together by fate at various stages of their lives before meeting their destiny in a tragic finale...

In the more than four decades since it premiered, this legendary Olivier Award-winning ‘play with music’ has enjoyed 25 years in the West End - amassing in excess of 10,000 performances - and numerous national and global tours. Nicknamed ‘the standing ovation musical’, it’s a gold-star classic that continues to perform to sell-out audiences wherever it goes, its combination of humour and heartache seeing it hailed by many as a theatrical masterpiece.

One-time X Factor contestant Niki Colwell Evans is no stranger to the pivotal and iconic part of Mrs Johnstone, and is once again playing the role on this current tour. Her solid performance perfectly showcases the character’s strength and grit but also taps into her vulnerability, leaving the audience in no doubt as to the pain she feels at having to give away one of her twins. Making an impressive performance even better, Colwell Evans’ vocals are absolutely stunning.

The narrator is magnificently played by Scott Anson and does everything expected of him, lurking menacingly and Grim Reaper-like in the shadows and doorways to remind us that it will all end in tears - which, of course, it does!  

Whilst there are plenty of laughs to enjoy in the show, many of which are provided by the young Mickey, Eddie and Linda (Gemma Broderick), nothing properly prepares you for the highly emotional final scene.

The production is perfectly cast throughout. Full credit goes to Alex Harland for his instant transformation from posh schoolmaster to harassed state-school teacher, and to Sarah Jane Buckley for her powerful portrayal of the neurotic Mrs Lyons.

Blood Brothers played at Malvern last night to a very appreciative packed house. Whether you’re an avid fan, or are fancying seeing the show for the very first time, don’t leave it too late to purchase your ticket - you might risk missing out on a truly fabulous night of entertainment. 

Five stars

Blood Brothers was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 23 January at Malvern Theatres, where it runs until Saturday (27 January). It then shows at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 February and Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 30 April to Saturday 4 May.