Blood Brothers: dramatic climax

The Nature and Significance of the Climax

The dramatic climax in “Blood Brothers” is located in the final scene, where the tragic destinies of the twins Mickey and Edward are fulfilled.
Tension mounts throughout the play and reaches its peak at the dramatic climax, causing the audience to experience fear, sorrow, and shock.
The climax, similar to the rest of the play, is a result of the decisions made by the characters - crucially, Mrs. Johnstone’s decision to separate the twins, Mickey’s decision to rob, and Edward’s decision to aid Mickey.
The climax uniquely was foreshadowed from the start of the play, resulting in heightened anticipation and drama in the final scenes.
The climax brings resolution, despite its violence and tragedy, symbolised poignantly by the locket holding the twins’ photo, signifying their unbreakable bond.

Willy Russell uses Mickey’s spiraling desperation and fear to contrast Edward’s innocent confusion during the climax, amplifying the dramatic intensity and highlighting the theme of class difference.
Mickey’s line, “I could have been him!” highlights the play’s theme of the impact of societal conditions on individual lives, marking a point where Mickey comprehends the stark contrast between his and Edward’s experiences.
The tragedy of the twins’ deaths is brought forward during the climax - the once-feared superstition of Mrs Lyons materialises, where the twins die on the day they discover their kinship truth.

The technique of dramatic irony is prevalent in the climax - the audience, knowing more about the character’s situations than they themselves do, adds a depth to the tragedy.
In performance, the use of lighting, sound effects, and music can underscore the climactic moments and leave a lasting impact on the audience.