Blood Brothers Reviews
Summary
Compare reviews of Blood Brothers written by theatre goers who've been inspired to recommend watching or avoiding the show. If you have seen this at the theatre, please write a Blood Brothers review and let fellow theatre lovers know what you thought. Include information such as the date and location as well as the starring actors so anyone who reads your review and decides to go see the performance goes to the correct production.
Media Gallery for Blood Brothers
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Quite frankly, class!”
Written on: 19/04/2013 by UnitedRoad (1 review written)
Blood Brothers is a classic. There, I said it. The storyline is imaginative and well executed (it's spilt well in terms of the age gap in the story). You feel an instant warmth and empathy towards the characters and has quality well written music, laughs and emotion in equal high qaulity measure. To those commenting on the swearing showing a lack of imagination in script writing...I wonder if you have ever visited the area in question. For me it represented an authenticity. Yes a times it... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”
Written on: 21/02/2013 by onewayticket
I decided to treat my girlfriend to this as she is a big musical lover. We sat through the 1st half which was painful to me as the story was lame, the acting was poor and Marti Pellow was hard to understand. I found seeing grown up men dressed as kids very disturbing and uncomfortable. The little tiny shorts they wore was just as bad as their singing. After sitting through the 1st half we came to the intermission which was the best bit. My girlfriend and I then went to get some fresh air I... (read more)
Phoebe-Thebeatles-Jolly's Response to onewayticket's Review
Written on: 24/05/2013
That is a very harsh way to look at it, not only are you and your girlfriend extremly uneducated but you think it was BORING?! I went to see it with about 70 people, and we all said how amzing it was. You and your girlfriend are cleary impatient people.
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★★★★★
“Fabulous Musical very emotional”
Written on: 20/02/2013
This was one of the best musicals I have ever experienced and what an experience! The story was so typical of the people of the time and the mother of the family was superb, good strong voice and character portrail excellent. Micky, the son, was another excellent character played so well, especially the act after getting out of jail. Such an emotional storyline but with lots of humour and fun to make the whole performance a joy to watch. The music and songs were very good and the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Quality, professional, emotional.”
Written on: 10/11/2012 by Armslength777 (2 reviews written)
I heard Blood Brothers is coming to an end after 24 years! I've never seen it yet friends who have say it's really good. I treated myself on Thursday 8 Nov 2012 and traveled from Liverpool to the Phoenix Theatre in the west end to see it, and it was well worth it! The story was very good and the actors did it justice. Many times I had tears in my eyes. During the quiet emotional moments, even the majority of the audience, who seemed to be English Lit students, were completely silent. If... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Great except Pello”
Written on: 30/10/2012
Thought the show was amazing, brilliant cast with the only exception being Marti Pello. Couldn't understand a word he said, his harmony was off and he over acted to the extreme. Ruined the performance for me. I have seen armatures play this part 100 times better. (read more)
★★★★☆
“I would go again ”
Written on: 26/10/2012
this show was absolutely amazing and i would definatly go to watch it again. i am in year 11 and had to go for my gcse class but even though i am young and most of the other people who have seen this are older (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Blood Brothers Phoenix Theatre”
Written on: 05/08/2012 by martinalderman (1 review written)
This show was easily the worst I have even seen. The use of swear words was gratuitous and shows a basic lack of any effort to convey the required message with a deeper grasp of the english language. In addition, it was disgusting to see actors actually spitting on stage, again this was gratuitous and not really necessary to convey the scene to the audience. Finally, if you thought "Mamma Mia" was the most efficient use of a simple, single set, then it has nothing on the lack of imagination... (read more)
Parker-Chops's Response to martinalderman's Review
Written on: 21/04/2013
Hilarious. Despite the Brechtian technique employed of alienating the audience and inviting you to watch without getting too involved in the characters and plot and actually learn something, you clearly haven't. It's a comment on society and class, along with the nature/nurture debate. The swearing is used to emphasise the difference between Eddy and Mickey's lives.
Plus, wouldn't it make the writing less authentic if Russell had depicted a working-class Liverpudlian family with sub-standard education (another point about class based on Russell's own experiences) speaking without slang/swearing and having a 'deeper grasp' of the English language?
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★★★★★
“Brilliant go and see for yourselves”
Written on: 08/07/2012
All the cast were fantastic, The twins were exceptional, I almost cried, and I am a big guy. lol. Marti keep up the great work, all the best from Clydebank. Kings theatre Glasgow. (read more)
★★★★★
“Better than the last time”
Written on: 24/06/2012 by 1nilarsenal
Such a great musical.Maureen Nolan as Mrs Johnstone was brilliant (All the Nolan sisters do a brilliant Mrs J ). Martin Pellow was excellent as the narrator and very good supporting cast. Opera House,Manchester is the ideal size to get the best from this moving story. Enjoyed it at the Empire,Liverpool but this was better. Great night out (read more)
★★★★★
“Bloody Brilliant”
Written on: 18/05/2012 by RobKay
Well, well, well... from the thrushes of Romulus & Remus, the West End has brought to us a thrilling tale of twins unceremoniously separated at birth, catapulted into classes apart to grow up unaware of their fraternal bond. Comical satire throughout, the characters poetically evolve into adulthood facing life's challenges adjacent to a superfluous attention to the struggles of northern British life. Remarkable individual performances I was honoured to bestow, this theatrical magnificence in... (read more)
Guest's Response to RobKay's Review
Written on: 18/05/2012
This review almost captures everything within the play, however Moses was found in the ‘rushes’ and that Romulus and Remus never had thrush- just like to point that out...
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Showing 1 - 10 of 174 Reviews
★★★★★
“Brilliant birthday treat!”
Written on: 25/04/2012 by divadebs40 (1 review written)
I thought Blood Brothers was excellent. It was my 40th birthday and when we arrived at the theatre and saw the big poster of Marti Pellow I was so excited, having not realised that he or anyone particularly famous was in it so I felt like it was an extra birthday bonus! The show was brilliant. Very moving in places and funny in places. The acting and singing were superb from all the cast - especially the mother and the two brothers. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Absolutely wonderful show. ”
Written on: 12/04/2012
I enjoyed everything about it. It's so moving, I love the theatre and have been to see this 3 times, and it just gets more and more enjoyable. If you can, definitely go to see it. (read more)
★★★★★
“Absolutely fantastic show”
Written on: 06/04/2012
The performance is amazing, such a brilliant show. I've seen it twice now and it just gets better every time. I would love to be seeing it again soon actually! Recommend to everyone. (read more)
★★★★★
“The Very Best”
Written on: 05/04/2012
I have seen this play last year and i thought it was fantastic!. On wednesday i am seeing it againa nd cant wait thought it was absolutley brilliant! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“bad its bad”
Written on: 27/02/2012 by mikecurtis (1 review written)
seen the original 20yrs ago - which was very good -- now this is comical -- no grit, no great passion, no from the belly songs. Not the actors fault - just a rubbish script. Childish with swearing. (read more)
★★★★★
“blood brothers! AMAZING!”
Written on: 02/02/2012 by mcguiganx
blood brothers is an outstanding show would recommend it to anyone! amazing story line with great actors.. sean jones as mickey and danny taylor as sammy amazing actors! my favourite show ever!!!!!x (read more)
Svetlanaanna's Response to mcguiganx's Review
Written on: 09/09/2012
Love, love, love the show! It is the best musical I ahev ever seen. Can not wait to see it again!
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★★★★★
“ah.....its really good.”
Written on: 20/12/2011 by kimcool952
you might think because the show is at discount price that it might not be good. well its great. I've seen a lot of London shows and this is another great one for me....get ready with your tissues x so powerful. (read more)
★★★★★
“Birthday brilliance!”
Written on: 17/09/2011 by sheffgirl1
Me and my cousin watched this Musical for the first time last night and we were absolutely blown away! It is an emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears. For us in particular Stephen Palfreman and Amy robbins were sensationa, especially Amy who spoke to us after the show and was happy to pose for pictures and sign our programmes! Overall a 10/10 experience. Greatly recommended. (read more)
★★★★★
“the best mrs johnson”
Written on: 07/09/2011
My husband and I have seen Blood Brothers three times! but we think Amy Robbins has got to be the best Mrs Johnson EVER! her voice is amazing and the power of emotion in her acting reduced us to tears. Blood Brothers has got to be the most amazing musical we have ever been to...you've GOT to see it! (read more)
★★★★★
“Must see show, then again and again and again”
Written on: 29/06/2011 by treboreroom (1 review written)
This is probably my seventh or eughth viewing, although the story never changes each production is uniquely different due to the usual suberb casting of th ensemble. Just seen it this pm at the Charter Theartre Preston. Although the theatre and stage small in comparission to most i.ve seen which meant that some times you felt the stage wasa little crammed, but in other respects especially the final scene was probably the most atmospheric and moving i've every seen. The whole cast suberb,... (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 174 Reviews
★★★★★
“Ashamed to admit i knew little about this show before...”
Written on: 11/05/2011
Ashamed to admit i knew little about this show before seeing and not ashamed to admit i sobbed at the end, it should be compulsary to attend this outstanding show. Full marks to the entire cast, i dont want to single out anyone but if forced Mickey is superb. (read more)
★★★★★
“Natasha Hamilton and Stephen Palfreman were both...”
Written on: 26/04/2011 by Marie McDonnell (1 review written)
Natasha Hamilton and Stephen Palfreman were both amazing in this Musical!! From the very beginning Natasha, who plays lead role Ms Johnstone, had me hooked on the story with her amazing acting and even more amazing singing, especially when she sang the finale song 'Tell Me It's Not True' which left me with a tear in my eye! Stephen, who plays Mickey Johnstone, plays a very convincing almost 8 year old and an even better young adult.
All in all, an amazing musical with an amazing cast! GO SEE...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Saw this a few days ago at the Phoenix theatre. Had no...”
Written on: 22/04/2011
Saw this a few days ago at the Phoenix theatre. Had no idea what to expect as I hadn't read up anything about it or seen it before. I found it was really excellent, the acting was superb, the guy who played Micky was so funny and Mrs Johnstone and Linda are really believable. Such a sad ending though. (read more)
★★★★★
“Perspective of a 10 year old: ”
Written on: 21/04/2011
Perspective of a 10 year old:
I didn't really want to go at first but we got tickets for it so I hd to go and I really ejoyed it!
It really showed the tragic futility of gun crime and drug addiction and showed the real emotion of love and death.
The other thing was that it was near the train station so as soon as it was finished we could go straight to the station without getting lost.
The singers were fantastic and out of all the musicals i've seen (sister act,jersey boys,grease,lion king)...
(read more)
★★★★★
“A thoroughly enjoyable 'Blood Brothers' performance...”
Written on: 02/04/2011
A thoroughly enjoyable 'Blood Brothers' performance and deserving of the standing ovation that has compelled me to write this...I don't ever do this. All of life's range of emotions in one show. What a story!! From innocence, to trusting, to caring, to song, to gentle smiles, to loud laughter, to deep thoughts, to full blown tears......Children at play, adolescence, bonding, unbonding, conscience, straying from the path, class divides, selfishness, unselfishness, happiness, sadness, tears... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“I'm studying this play in school, so we went to London...”
Written on: 01/04/2011
I'm studying this play in school, so we went to London for 2 days to see this play and Woman In Black. Both were very good, however I expected Blood Brothers to be more serious considering the plot! Great actors and actresses. Good if you want a laugh as well as a sob!! (read more)
★★★★★
“Coventry on a Wednesday 30 March 2011 gave a full...”
Written on: 31/03/2011
Coventry on a Wednesday 30 March 2011 gave a full house to the show - absolute brilliance from Niki Evans who was a real believable Mrs Johnson and the whole cast fitted perfectly. Of course myself and my cousin were on our feet at the end as was everyone around us crying and clapping in unison. Very soulsearching story. We loved the narrator he brought history to life. Absolutely the best!
MAUREEN FISHER AND Victoria from Coventry
(read more)
★★★★★
“Brilliant cast played their roles fantastically. It...”
Written on: 26/03/2011
Brilliant cast played their roles fantastically. It was an amazing play filled with every emotion possible. I would love to see it again in the future. (read more)
★★★★★
“my daughters and i loved this show its humour sadness...”
Written on: 19/03/2011
my daughters and i loved this show its humour sadness the music sensational
the orchestra was fab
(read more)
★★★★★
“Saw the show in Edinburgh yesterday and it was...”
Written on: 17/03/2011
Saw the show in Edinburgh yesterday and it was brilliant. Niki Evans was really good and Sean Jones as Mickey was side-splitting as the little boy. All together a marvellous show and emotional too. I would definitely recommend this one. I saw the show in Glasgow a few years ago with Linda Nolan and enjoyed it then but understood it better and enjoyed it more the second time around. The whole cast were wonderful and deserved the standing ovations they received. (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 174 Reviews
★★★★★
“I have seen this many times before and keep going...”
Written on: 05/03/2011 by Ang1 (1 review written)
I have seen this many times before and keep going back. Niki Evans voice is fantastic. Real goosebump moments. Sean Jones who plays Mickey is also fantastic. Definately the best Mickey in my books
Definately worth a visit. Very emotional
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“The acting and singing was generally excellent. For me...”
Written on: 02/03/2011
The acting and singing was generally excellent. For me the narrator was nothing more than a comical distraction. The story line is very straightforward so I don't think a narrator is necessary. The songs were good with a couple of exceptions in which the lyrics were somewhat childlike. (read more)
★★★★★
“fantastic night we've seen this show many times before...”
Written on: 14/02/2011
fantastic night we've seen this show many times before but this time it was just spectacular from beginning to end the acting and singing was just so good you were gripped from start if you get chance to go you really must i'm sure you'll enjoy (read more)
★★★★★
“I loved it when they fell over. a truly epic tail of...”
Written on: 14/02/2011
I loved it when they fell over. a truly epic tail of two boys in different social classes. i went with my pet gerbil and my pokemon pikache. they both thought it was a jolly good show also it had two women one poor one rich poor but i do not want to ruin it for you so i will just say see it.
oh year, take tissues! Hint hint.
(read more)
★★★★★
“Absolutely fabulous show. Standing clapping in tears...”
Written on: 06/02/2011
Absolutely fabulous show. Standing clapping in tears at end. All actors were brilliant. Have never written a review in my life before but felt compeled to tell anyone who would listen how amazing this show was. You really believed their emotions and felt truly sorry for the circumstances the characters found themselves in. (read more)
★★★★★
“Over the years, I have seen Blood Brothers 4 times....”
Written on: 06/02/2011
Over the years, I have seen Blood Brothers 4 times. This was a gift that my husband and I bought for each other and we took my mother along. All of the cast are sensational ... especially the cross-over part cast. Eddie and Micky's relationship grows and grows throughout and it draws you in to their world; but it is Niki Evans in the part of Mrs Johnston who completely steels the show for me. Her emotion from simplistic start to tear-shattering end that has you mesmerized throughout. I leaped... (read more)
★★★★★
“Saw this December 13th 2010, absolutely amazing show!...”
Written on: 04/02/2011
Saw this December 13th 2010, absolutely amazing show! Would see it again many times, and did what live theatre should do - it took me to another place. Maureen Nolan was absolutely AMAZING as Mrs. Johnstone, and the whole cast captured me!!! Would even recommend to friends who didn't like musicals!!!! (read more)
★★★★★
“Wow, me and my family saw it last night for the second...”
Written on: 02/02/2011
Wow, me and my family saw it last night for the second time and we are trying to book for a third. It is amazing, good storyline, good music and entertaining all the way through. The acting was flawless, it was great for all ages. Also during the show the actors try and include comedy as much as they can and works everytime. For me then this show is 5/5 and a must see for anyone. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I went to see Blood Brothers on Tuesday 11th Janurary...”
Written on: 13/01/2011
I went to see Blood Brothers on Tuesday 11th Janurary 2011 and i was appuled at it.
I've read the book/script many times and loved it, I couldn't wait to see it. This was the first time I saw it. There were many points that i loved about it but there were a lot of bad points.
First of all the twins were not like twins at all, The actor who played Mickey looked at last 20 years older than Eddie, so made it difficult to connect with them.
Being a performer myself I felt as though the...
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“Firstly, let me say I first saw Blood Brothers as a...”
Written on: 23/12/2010
Firstly, let me say I first saw Blood Brothers as a touring show 15 years (plus) ago with Rose Marie which was incredible. So myself and my wife decided to take my two teenage children, one of each, to see it in the West End with Maureen Nolan.
The quality of the show is top of course, 10 out of 10. However, it never really captured any of us despite the great acting from all concerned as it had when we first saw it.
This show could never go on the "avoid at all costs" list like some of...
(read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 174 Reviews
★★★★★
“I always enjoy going to live theatre, but this show...”
Written on: 31/10/2010
I always enjoy going to live theatre, but this show blew me away. From the first note to the very last I was engrossed in a fantastic show. A rollercoaster of emotions. The singing powerfull and words very meaning, comedy by Mickey Eddie and Linda was very funny especially mounting and dismounting the horses!. The story was gripping, happy and sad, at he end thought the boys were safe. No one would tell me before if it was a happy or sad ending, which was right.Nicky stole the show with her... (read more)
★★★★★
“Went to see this last night. Superb show and Niki...”
Written on: 20/08/2010
Went to see this last night. Superb show and Niki Evans was absolutely brilliant. What a performance and what a voice! very moving (read more)
★★★★★
“Went to see Blood Brothers in july 2010 at the pheonix...”
Written on: 06/08/2010
Went to see Blood Brothers in july 2010 at the pheonix in london . Have never seen it before but thought it was brilliant . The acting was outstanding and would throughly reccomend the show .The performance of the night must go to the tallented Niki Evans xx (read more)
★★★★★
“I have been to see the show twice now, once in the...”
Written on: 02/07/2010
I have been to see the show twice now, once in the Kings Theatre in Glasgow and once in the Pheonix Theatre in London. I am not a regular theatre-goer, I am 22 and a massive dance music fan, usually spending money on gig tickets and festivals to see Dj's and bands. Due to this fact I was apprehensive when my mum recommended the show and booked me a ticket for my birthday, and to be honest I didn't think I would enjoy it at all. I saw it first in Glasgow, sat in the gods. Immediately I found... (read more)
★★★★★
“WE SAW THIS SHOW ON THE 11TH JUNE 2010 IT WAS...”
Written on: 17/06/2010
WE SAW THIS SHOW ON THE 11TH JUNE 2010 IT WAS ABSOLUTLY SUPBERB. I CAN FIND NOTHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT IT.....I WILL CETRAINLY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE GOING TO LONDON. (read more)
★★★★★
“I've been a fan of this show for years, never thought...”
Written on: 08/06/2010
I've been a fan of this show for years, never thought I'd enjoy a new "Eddie", but Paul Davies just blew me away! He's so handsom, so carismatic and such a good actor you can't can't stop looking at him when he's on stage, well done Bill Kenwright for finding a brilliant Eddie, who really is the best compliment to "Mickey" I've yet so see, just love this show, if you haven't seen it, then your in for a real treat. This is the show for all the people who think they wouldn't like theatre, it... (read more)
★★★★★
“Sorry, my rating for money is actually 5 stars- it's...”
Written on: 08/06/2010
Sorry, my rating for money is actually 5 stars- it's just coming up as 2 for some reason!
Blood brothers is amazing! I have seen it 3 times in the past 6 months and am already booked up to go again in 5 weeks time. If you have never sat in the front row I would HIGHLY recommend it! Best view in the house and the actors make a lot if eye contact with you-which is brilliant!
I also want to put the spotlight on 2 actors who I think don't get enough credit at all! Mrs Johnstone is usually who...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I have seen this show in London and on tour a number...”
Written on: 05/06/2010
I have seen this show in London and on tour a number of times and it never fails to move me. Sean Jones in my opinion is the best Mickey I have ever seen it is hard to believe the change you see from care free youngster to drug addicted ex con. He truly is a master of the acting craft. The audience are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you feeling tear stained and emotionally drained but already queuing to see it again. (read more)
★★★★★
“I thought that Blood Brothers was amazing. The music...”
Written on: 26/04/2010
I thought that Blood Brothers was amazing. The music commended the emotional story line well, and the script engaged the audience and made them feel a part of the musical. The actors and actresses were astounding and they all blew me away with their amazing acting abilities and stunning voices. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved every second of it. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Super slick! Most enjoyable show. Very funny/ very sad...”
Written on: 18/04/2010
Super slick! Most enjoyable show. Very funny/ very sad in parts. Mel C - great performance. However, other members of the cast were equally wonderful. Well worth going to see it. If you can afford the time/money - go see it. You won't be disappointed, I'm sure. (read more)
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Showing 41 - 50 of 174 Reviews
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Etonite's Response to onewayticket's Review
Written on: 22/05/2013
I think that somehow you must have missed the point; I will concede that Marti Pellow is not scouse but the general selection of actors for the play is usually very good. I'm sorry that you missed the point of the whole thing as there is very strong story line that seems to have flown over your head.