New College Durham Performing Arts students Kaitlyn Todd and Evie Stephenson discuss their roles in a fantastic performance of Willy Russel’s - Blood Brothers.
The play tells the story of twin brothers, Mickey and Edward Johnstone, via the key moments in their lives: from their birth, through their childhood, teenage years and into adulthood.
Two of the main characters are Mickey Johnstone played by Kaitlyn and his mother Mrs Johnstone played by Evie.
Can you tell me about the character you are playing?
Kaitlyn, my character is a bit of a golden child, Mrs Johnstone’s favourite. I think he’s a bit of troublemaker, he climbs trees, gets in trouble, and he gets his brother Eddie into trouble too, but none of his big plans work out.
Evie, I play a strong-willed woman who knows what she wants. She experiences a lot of different emotions throughout the show, and you see that journey and her growth.
What is your favourite scene or moment in the show?
Kaitlyn, The end scene, it is so dramatic... But I can’t give any spoilers...
Evie, My favourite scene is probably when Micky meets Eddie, and he comes and tells Mrs Johnstone it’s his brother and she freaks out, but Mickey doesn’t mean literal brother.
What has been the most enjoyable part of rehearsals?
Kaitlyn, Learning all the group ensemble numbers.
Evie, It has been long, but definitely fun. Tech week is a lot of fun with the mics and lights, and you get to see the show really come to life.
Have you learnt any new skills and/or techniques?
Kaitlyn, Mickey has been my biggest role to date and he goes through so many emotions, so it has been a good experience to have that emotional rollercoaster journey.
Evie, We are scousers in the show, so learning how to do a scouse accent has been challenging.
What’s the most rewarding part of being in the show?
Evie, I think performing it and seeing it come to life. You work so hard for months so when you see it really take shape with all the added elements it's great.
Kaitlyn, Yeah, I agree. It’s just fantastic to see it become a proper show.
Evie, It's out last show too, as we’re second year, so we are super proud of it.
Do you have any favourite backstage routines?
Kaitlyn, Oh, we have lots ! 😊 Before every show we all do a big warm up together. Faye, one of our lecturers calls it a Battle chant, doesn’t she?
Evie, Yeah!
Kaitlyn, It gets us excited, and the adrenalin is mad. We do a dance circle with songs and everyone takes a turn. It's a fantastic way to ease any nerves.
Why should people come and see the show?
Evie, Because it’s us, and we’re great.😊
Noo!!, I think people know the story, they read it in school so coming to see it come to life especially for secondary school pupils its’ a great way to visualise it and enjoy it too.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the course?
Evie, Do it! Go for it.
It’s okay to be nervous, I was a nervous wreck at first but your confidence improves so much. Nothing you do in lesson would ever make you feel like an idiot, we are all here for the same reason.
I had a show background, but college has really improved experience. It’s a fun course, it can be seriously hard work, but you have a lot of fun and all the tutors are massively supportive too which always helps.
Kaitlyn, I came from a dance background, so I hadn’t really done that many shows, maybe 2. If you are nervous because you don’t have much experience don’t be. I have improved massively. Everyone has different strengths, but they're all developed equally giving you a great cross-section of acting, singing and dancing
Come and see the show - Blood Brothers (the play version) by Willy Russell.
Join us at The Drama Studio.
Show Dates:
17.06.25 | 18.06.25
Times: 1pm (Matinee) & 6:30pm (Evening)
Evening show tickets available via Eventbrite: here.
For matinee bookings, please contact: