Blood Brothers receives standing ovation at the Wycombe Swan

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, the show tells the captivating story of Johnstone twins who were separated at birth.

Few musicals have received such acclaim as Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

The twins are torn apart at birth grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks in Liverpool and are brought up in drastically different circumstances until they meet again and their lives intertwine with tragic consequences.

Even with the delightful sense of comedy in the show, the foreshadowing of the opening scenes make it clear that the fateful ending is always close by.

Paula Tappenden stepped in for Niki Evans to play Mrs. Johnstone and was a powerhouse vocally and created an empathetic central figure.

The understudy actor, who usually plays Mrs. Lyons, was visibly moved by the standing ovation the show received.

Grace Galloway played Mrs. Lyons and convincingly portrayed the demise of the mother who struggles when the twin brothers finally meet.

Sean Jones appears as Mickey and provided the witty comedy whilst living out the transition from childhood to awkward teen to a depressed father.

As an adult, Mickey’s mental health declines as the character makes a series of bad choices that lands him in trouble.

Playing his twin brother Eddie is Joel Benedict who provides a fantastic foil to the down-to-earth Mickey

Benedict plays the brother whose life takes a contrasting path after being a privilege upbringing.

Mickey is rowdy and plays rough with his siblings, sporting a heavy Liverpudlian accent, while Eddie is raised modest, with an articulate accent never having learned to swear.

Their relationship is integral to the story that touches topics like class differences, poverty, mental health and the old nature versus nurture debate.

Carly Burns plays the love interest, Linda, in a performance that grew as the show went on ensuring her love for Mickey was overriding even in the darkest moments.

Tim Churchill stepped in from his role as Mr Lyons to play who is relentless in reminding the audience as well as Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons of the consequences of their decisions.

The story ultimately boils down to a mother’s love and the show takes you on a thrilling journey with ups, downs and laughs.

Tissues are needed as when the lights came on after the final scene many audience members were wiping away their tears for what was an emotional ending.

Pre-show dining is available at the Wycombe Swan with a brand-new Spring menu that offers a wide range of starters, mains and interval desserts (See pictures).

To book tickets visit: https://wycombeswan.co.uk/