Haberdasher’s Adams’ staging of Blood Brothers brought Willy Russell’s iconic story of fate, class, and brotherhood to life with impressive maturity and conviction.
Blood Brothers, the tale of twins Mickey and Eddie, separated at birth and raised in starkly different social worlds, blends humour with tragedy that demands strong character work. The cast gave nuanced portrayals that made the audience believe in their characters.
Standout Performances
Jack Stevens and Gabriel Thornton, playing Mickey and Eddie, captured the innocence of childhood as well as the painful divergence of their adult lives. Their chemistry on stage was warm and believable, making the story’s devastating conclusion feel even more impactful.
Elizabeth Pearson portrayed Mrs Johnstone with emotional depth. Her mix of warmth, hope, struggle, and heartbreak shone through, earning empathy from the audience. Ava Sobey’s portrayal of Mrs Lyons was a compelling balance of composure and growing inner turmoil, capturing her descent from anxious protectiveness to unravelled guilt.
The Narrator, Etash Chackiath, was ever‑present and ominous. His measured delivery created a sense of foreboding, guiding the audience toward the story’s tragic ending.
Direction and Staging
Miss Slade’s direction made smart use of the limited staging time and the smaller venue of Paddock Hall. The production felt intimate in a way that strengthened the storytelling.
Haberdasher’s Adams delivered a deeply moving interpretation of Blood Brothers. The production showcased the school’s strong commitment to the arts and highlighted the talent, discipline, and emotional intelligence of its pupils.
Cast
- MICKEY: Jack Stevens
- EDDIE: Gabriel Thornton
- MRS JOHNSTONE: Elizabeth Pearson
- MRS LYONS: Ava Sobey
- NARRATOR: Etash Chackiath
- LINDA: Erica Enongene
- MILKMAN/ GYNAECOLOGIST: Fintan Wilkinson
- POLICEWOMAN: Ella Russell
- KIDS: Grace Thomas, Billy Pearson, Gabriel Gater, Rosie Sheehy
- ENSEMBLE: Luca Voiculescu, James Matthews
- TECH TEAM: William Jaundrell, Daniel Curtiss

