Blood Brothers

Dartford's Orchard Theatre

I used to go to see musicals a lot when I was younger. My gran was a member of a theatre club and we used to get cut-price tickets to the best shows.

Phantom, Cats, Les Miserables – I saw them all and was moved by every one, marvelling at the costumes, the songs, the incredible scenery.

Then there was the time I went to see Aspects of Love, not long after breaking up with a boyfriend, and sobbed all the way through. Sorry if you were sat behind me.

Despite seeing many of the greats, I have never seen Blood Brothers, even though it’s now in its 28th year.

For the few of you who haven’t either, it tells the story of single mother Mrs Johnstone, left by her husband to bring up numerous children and twins on the way.

Struggling to cope, she agrees to give up one of her newborn sons to the much richer, if slightly deluded, Mrs Lyons, in the hope that at least one of her children will make something of themselves.

But the boys must never find out, which proves difficult as the twins seem continuously drawn to each other, becoming Blood Brothers from an early age.

Maureen Nolan is the latest famous name to take on the lead role, and does so admirably. She is on stage for a large chunk of the show, but her voice never faltered, filling the auditorium one moment with angst, the next with joy.

Tracy Spencer brings a suitably chilly air to the desperate Mrs Lyons, while Olivia Sloyan (Linda) and Daniel Taylor (Sammy) provide strong support.

But none of it would work without the incredible performances from Sean Jones, as Mickey, and Mark Hutchinson, as Eddie.

Once you’ve forgotten about the hairy legs, it’s hard not to believe Jones is a spit-loving, imaginary horse-riding, naughty word-uttering seven-year-old.

Between him and Hutchinson, the audience is lead beautifully through their childhood into adolescence and onto a troubled, and heart-breaking adult life.

If there was one problem it was the music, which at times was so loud it drowned out the singers, especially narrator Warwick Evans, who has a powerful voice but whose message was lost.

But it was the first night and was probably quickly sorted.

If you’re after sunshine and rainbows, songs of candy and clouds, this isn’t the musical for you.

But if you’re after gritty drama, powerful performances and a compelling tale, this is for you.

Blood Brothers is touring various venues around the UK until October 2014. Visit www.kenwright.com for details.