Blood Brothers (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Class structure is important in ‘Blood Brothers’ with the two families coming from different backgrounds showing how class affects the lives of Mickey and Edward.

Poverty is an important aspect of the play as Mrs Johnstone’s family struggles to live in poverty while Mrs Lyons’s wealth provides opportunities and comfort.

The two boys’ different experiences of class, wealth and education affect their chances in life in profound ways.

The issue of housing is shown by the two contrasting houses on the stage: Mickey’s is inadequate while Edward’s is large and his family can move easily.

Employment opportunities are contrasted in ‘Blood Brothers’ with Mickey limited to low-level, insecure jobs while Edward’s wealth and education allow him much better job prospects.