The Regent Theatre opened its autumn season with Blood Brothers, and from the very first moment, the atmosphere in the room was electric.
Willy Russell’s story is one many people know well, but the opening night in Hanley proved it still has the power to shock, move and completely silence an audience.
The tale of Mickey and Eddie, twins separated at birth and raised in very different circumstances, was told with such conviction that it felt as fresh as ever. Sean Jones, who has lived and breathed the role of Mickey for many years, gave a performance that was both playful and heartbreaking. He moved effortlessly from the cheeky energy of a young boy to the brokenness of a man trapped by his circumstances, and it was impossible not to be drawn in. Alongside him, Joe Sleight’s Eddie was equally compelling. His innocence, warmth and genuine love for his friend made the final scenes all the more difficult to watch.
Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone carried the weight of the story beautifully. Her voice filled the theatre with emotion and, at times, stopped it in its tracks. Every song felt lived, not performed, and you could sense the audience leaning forward, gripped by her every word.
Kristofer Harding’s Narrator was another standout. He didn’t just observe the action, he wove himself through it, moving around the stage with a looming presence that tied everything together. His performance gave the story an almost ghostly thread, reminding us constantly that fate was never far behind.
The production itself was stripped back but striking. The simple brickwork set and carefully crafted lighting created a sense of place without overcomplicating the stage. The design allowed the cast to shine, and shine they did. The final sequence, played out under harsh lights with sound crashing all around, was devastating. Many people in the audience were visibly moved, and there was a long pause before the applause began, as though everyone needed to gather themselves.
What made the evening so memorable wasn’t just the story, but the way the cast told it. The laughter in the earlier scenes, the tension that built as the years passed, and finally the audible gasps at the tragic ending all showed just how deeply the production had connected. It was theatre at its best – the kind that stays with you long after you leave your seat.
For those thinking about making the trip to Hanley, this tour of Blood Brothers is well worth it. The performances are exceptional, the music is unforgettable, and the emotion is raw and unrelenting. It’s a night at the theatre you won’t forget in a hurry.
It’s running until Saturday 27th September, so grab your tickets – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/regent-theatre/
Please note: We were gifted press tickets for review purposes, but as always the thoughts above are our honest reflections of the performance.
