“Growing up in the Merseyside area my theatrical background was strongly influenced by the music, talents and written words from the city of Liverpool. Therefore when, as a director, I was asked to stage Willy Russel’s great musical Blood Brothers, a story of twin boys separated at birth my only concern was who could I find to play the lead male role of Mickey, it had to be someone talented enough to bring humor and pathos to the audiences attention as a young boy, a teen and finally a tragic adult.
I was able to find those qualities instantly recognisable in Allen Andrews. His portrayal of this wonderful character moved me and my backstage staff, in addition to the audience, nightly with each performance, the final scene when the pressure of Mickey’s life is so strong that a tragic outcome is the only possible solution was performed by Allen with such strength and humility that one could have heard a pin drop as the audience gasped at the outcome.
Allen’s total performance was outstanding and memorable and I will never forget.”