Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production of Blood Brothers has surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. 

Blood Brothers, which tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences, gripped the Venue Cymru crowd from the start and took them on an emotional journey rewarded with a deserved standing ovation.  

The evergreen Willy Russel-penned musical first performed in 1983, once again resonated with Tuesday’s opening night audience, thanks to its equally heartbreaking and heartwarming storyline. 

Denbighshire’s Sean Jones who has many stage credits to his name, was also making his return to the iconic role of Mickey Johnstone for the first time in years a role he has made his own.  

No wonder his portrayal of this character has become the stuff of legend, he was simply outstanding as the vulnerable victim of the piece. 

His raw, emotional, heart on his sleeve performance is disturbing to watch at times but an acting masterclass none the less.  

Niki Colwell Evans was wonderful as Mrs Johnstone. Her commanding performance of this defiant matriarch reduced everyone to tears on more than one occasion during her performance of the bittersweet number ‘Marilyn Monroe’, and the show’s shattering climax and her heart rending version of ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’. 

One of the highlights was Gemma Brodrick, simply spellbinding as Linda.

She played the part with such integrity and honesty it was a pleasure to watch her character develop and provide both the stability and escape for both brothers. 

Danny Whitehead as the Narrator was excellent as our guide to the trials and tribulation set to challenge the families.  

Also, among the impressive cast were another two that shone.

Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Lyons brought dark and threatening undertones to her vision of the childless rich neighbour whose attempts to prevent the brothers from forming a relationship while on the city streets of slum condition Liverpool and newly built roads of a Cheshire new town would ultimately prove futile. Joe Sleight as Eddie Lyons gave charming and unworldly performance that perfectly complimented Sean Jones’s street smart and troubled demeaner.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this outstanding version of a much-loved musical.  

Blood Brothers is at Venue Cymru Llandudno this week from Tuesday August 8 to Saturday August 12.