Historical Context (Blood Brothers)

This section explores the historical context of Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, first performed in 1983, is set in Liverpool and explores themes of class, poverty, and fate. The play’s historical context, especially relating to the social and economic conditions of Britain in the late 20th century, is crucial to understanding its themes and characters. Below is an exploration of the key historical factors influencing the play.

Class Divisions in 20th Century Britain

Class Inequality: One of the central themes of Blood Brothers is the divide between the working class and the upper-middle class. This reflects the stark class divisions in Britain during the 20th century, where people’s lives and opportunities were often determined by the social class they were born into. The play contrasts the lives of the working-class Johnstone family and the middle-class Lyons family, showing how their class differences lead to dramatically different outcomes for the twins, Mickey and Eddie.

Social Mobility: During the 20th century, social mobility; the ability for individuals to improve their social status through education or employment, was often limited, especially for the working class. Blood Brothers highlights the lack of opportunity for working-class people, as seen in Mickey’s life, where poor education, unemployment, and crime become unavoidable parts of his fate. Eddie, raised in a privileged environment, has access to better education and career prospects, reflecting the advantages of his middle-class upbringing.

Post-War Britain and Economic Decline

Economic Challenges of the 1970s and 1980s: The play is set during a period of economic decline in Britain, particularly in working-class areas like Liverpool, where industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and coal mining were in rapid decline. The economic downturn led to mass unemployment and social unrest, particularly in cities like Liverpool, where the play is set.

Unemployment and Poverty: High unemployment rates in the 1970s and 1980s, especially in the north of England, left many working-class families in poverty. The Johnstone family in Blood Brothers is directly affected by these economic struggles. Mrs Johnstone, a single mother of seven children, works as a cleaner, struggling to make ends meet, while the lack of opportunities for her son Mickey ultimately leads him into a life of crime. This mirrors the real experiences of many working-class families during this time.

Margaret Thatcher’s Britain: The play was written and performed during the era of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government (1979-1990). Thatcher’s policies, which emphasised free-market economics, privatisation, and reduced government spending on social welfare, were seen by many as worsening the economic plight of the working class. Russell’s depiction of the Johnstone family’s hardships can be viewed as a critique of Thatcherism and the lack of support for the working poor.

The Influence of Education

Selective Education System: Blood Brothers explores the role of education in determining the futures of the two brothers. During the 1960s and 1970s, the British education system was highly selective. Children were divided at age 11 based on the 11-plus exam, which determined whether they went to a grammar school (offering a more academic education) or a secondary modern school (which had lower academic expectations). Eddie, raised by the wealthy Lyons family, receives a private and well-funded education, while Mickey, raised by his biological working-class mother, attends a state school and receives a much poorer education.

Educational Inequality: The play highlights the inequalities in the British education system, where children from wealthier backgrounds had access to better education and thus better career prospects. Mickey’s limited education plays a significant role in his lack of opportunities and eventual downfall, while Eddie’s academic success allows him to pursue a comfortable middle-class life. This reflects the reality of educational inequality in Britain at the time, where class had a significant impact on access to quality education.

Changing Gender Roles

Role of Women in Society: The play also touches on the changing roles of women in British society. Mrs Johnstone, the mother of the twins, represents the struggles of working-class women who were often left to raise children alone in difficult economic circumstances. She works multiple low-paying jobs to support her family, reflecting the reality for many women in post-war Britain who were expected to balance domestic responsibilities with the need to work.

Single Motherhood: Mrs Johnstone’s status as a single mother is significant, as single motherhood became more common in Britain in the second half of the 20th century. However, single mothers often faced social stigma and economic hardship, as seen in the play. Mrs Johnstone’s financial struggles highlight the lack of support for single mothers during this period.

Liverpool as a Setting

Industrial Decline in Liverpool: Liverpool, the setting of Blood Brothers, was a city heavily affected by the decline of industry in the 1970s and 1980s. Once a thriving port and industrial hub, the city faced high unemployment and urban decay as industries collapsed. This decline is reflected in the play’s depiction of the working-class environment in which the Johnstone family lives, with their struggles for employment and survival mirroring the real-life challenges faced by many Liverpudlians during this time.

Class Tensions in Liverpool: Liverpool has long been a city marked by class tensions, and these are reflected in the play. The contrast between the poor, working-class neighbourhood of the Johnstones and the wealthy, middle-class area where Eddie grows up is symbolic of the broader social divide in the city. The play shows how geography and class often determined the life chances of individuals, with those born into wealthier areas having more opportunities and security.

Fate vs. Free Will

Fate and Superstition: Throughout the play, superstition plays a significant role, reflecting the belief in fate that was common in working-class communities at the time. Mrs Johnstone’s belief that separating her twins will lead to disaster reflects a fatalistic view of life, where people’s futures are determined by forces beyond their control. This theme of fate versus free will is explored throughout the play, particularly in how class and circumstances limit the characters’ ability to shape their own destinies.

Class as Destiny: Russell presents the idea that class determines a person’s fate. Despite being genetically identical, Mickey and Eddie’s lives turn out very differently because of the class into which each is raised. Mickey’s working-class background traps him in a cycle of poverty, unemployment, and crime, while Eddie’s middle-class upbringing allows him to succeed in life. The play suggests that, in 20th-century Britain, class was a powerful force that shaped people’s futures, often with tragic consequences.

The historical context of Blood Brothers is deeply rooted in the social and economic conditions of Britain in the late 20th century, particularly the class divide, the effects of Thatcherism, and the decline of traditional industries. The play also reflects broader themes of educational inequality, the role of women, and the tension between fate and free will. By understanding the historical backdrop of the play, audiences can better appreciate Russell’s critique of the class system and the social inequalities that continue to shape people’s lives.