Blood Brothers (Play Version)

Blood Brothers (Play Version) staged by Pilkington Musical Theatre Company at St Mary’s Church Hall, Trent Road, Billinge, Wigan on Friday, 26th September 2025

I was so pleased when I was contacted to be told that Pilkington’s Musical Theatre Company were back on stage doing what they do best.  It’s been a while and I know a struggle... but they got there and just let’s hope that this is just a ‘first step’ back to normality... chosen for their return was Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers’ the ‘play version’.  Set in Liverpool during the 1960’s to the early 1980’s it tells the tale of twin brothers, Mickey and Edward. Their mother Mrs Johnstone, is already struggling to raise seven children when she discovers she’s expecting twins.  Unable to afford to keep them both, she makes a desperate pact with her wealthy employer, Mrs Lyons, agreeing to give one baby away.  Edward is raised in comfort and privilege, while Mickey grows up in poverty, shaped by the struggles of a working-class life.  Separated at birth and unaware of their true connection, the boys lead very different childhoods in the same City.  At the age of seven, Mickey and Edward meet by chance, discovering that they share a birthday. They immediately become close friends, swearing to be “blood brothers,” yet neither knowing they are, in fact, real brothers. Their bond stays strong into adolescence, even as both develop feelings for Mickey’s neighbour and childhood friend, Linda.  As the years pass, the class divide between them becomes harder to ignore. Edward follows an easier path through education and opportunity, while Mickey faces unemployment, crime, and personal struggles. Eventually, the truth of their shared parentage is revealed, leading to a shocking climax in which both brothers die—fulfilling the tragic destiny hinted at throughout the play!

Production Team ... James Kirby (Director)/Jean Aspinall (Assistant Director) were given the task of guiding their cast through this play that tells us all about the strain and struggles of the Johnstone Family.  I know for a fact that it wasn’t all plain sailing, casting was an issue, but then having cast those parts... James’s health became an issue and surgery ensued.  But Jean, the committee and the members pulled together and their efforts were rewarded when Blood Brothers was staged, as expected, and I think each and everyone involved, both on and off stage, should be congratulated for what they helped achieve.

The Cast ... a cast of twelve came together to stage this play, and if I may, I’d like to bring those twelve cast members to the fore...
Ryan Stamp-Jones took on the role of ‘Mickey’ – a twin, the one that stayed at home
Charlie Geldart played ‘Eddie – the other twin, who went to live with the wealthy Lyons family
Sarah Johnson played ‘Mrs Johnstone’  - our struggling working class mother of the twins
Pauline Doyle played ‘Mrs Lyons’ – wealthy wife,  ‘adopts’ Eddie, nervous breakdown
Hannah Arnold played ‘Linda’ ... childhood friend, grew up with twins, has feelings for both
Chris Hunter played ‘The Narrator’ ... good diction, kept us up to date with on-goings!
Marcelo Arevalo played the ‘Milkman’ & ‘Doctor’
Janice Feeney played a ‘Police Officer’
Ryan Greenall, Emma Fildes, Susan Bagot, Jean Aspinall ... ‘Ensemble’  

When you know the difficulties a society has had to not only cast a production, but to actually  bring it to stage, it’s sometimes very difficult to start suggesting anything negative or to start suggesting that someone was better than someone else, but this was a production with far more positives than negatives and as most will know “I’m never one to ‘sit on the fence” so I am going to ‘stick the old neck out’ and select MY ‘show stealer’ and a number of MY ‘favourite’ characters’ ...  you may have your own thoughts, but these are mine ... and I start with MY ‘show-stealer who had to be Sarah Johnson and her portrayal of the struggling, working class mother ‘Mrs Johnstone’. Confident, assured, Sarah just gave this character to life. Authentic accent, wonderful characterisation, great mannerisms and facial expressions just added to the whole ... Sarah provided us with some great emotional moments throughout, especially toward the twins, be very proud Sarah, great job!  
Next... MY favourite characters... THE TWINS... ‘Eddie’ and ‘Mickey’ played ever so well by Charlie Geldart and Ryan Stamp-Jones respectively.  These two young actors provided us with another two great characters... Charlie captured the character of Eddie perfectly.  Confident, great stage presence, looked totally comfortable from the start and through-out and worked well with Mickey, Linda and Sarah and Pauline.  Ryan... I thought looked and sounded a little nervous to begin with, but as soon as he got into his stride and as the play progressed, his confidence grew and he produced another good character. Worked very well with Eddie, Linda and his mother Mrs Johnstone, be proud you two.
Hannah Arnold produced a great ‘Linda’. Loved Hannah’s ability to show the care and protectiveness toward both twins, whilst also showing the tougher side of Linda when needed. Confident, assured, worked wonderfully well with the twins and all the cast ... be proud Hannah!  If not mentioned as a favourite, please be assured that you didn’t go unnoticed... every person on that stage gave us their all and that’s all you can ask. You, all helped bring this play to life and you should all be very proud of what YOU helped achieve!

Stage/Set/Tech...  there was no set or staging of any note .... just stage furniture brought on and taken off as and when required to depict different locations in front of a gold backdrop.  The Lighting was basic, with taped music used at the start of both acts, with the very appropriate song ... ‘In My Liverpool Home’ used to great effect and which created just the right atmosphere.   

Costumes ... were of a good quality and were perfect for this production as were the Props.

As stated at the start of this ‘show report’ it really is great to see ‘Pilks’ back on stage!  I think ‘baby steps’ are needed to get things going again, it won’t be easy I’m sure, but you still have some faithful followers whose support was evident that night I attended. 
Keep going....

I really did enjoy this production and as I’ve said previously, it really was great to see Pilkington’s Musical Theatre Company back on stage doing what they do best!  My heartiest congratulations to every single person connected with this production. Thank you so much for inviting Susan and I and for your warm welcome and hospitality throughout ... hope this is the first of many, great to see you back, already looking forward to your next production!

Stay safe, keep well…
‘Stronger Together’

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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