blood brothers tour nottingham

UK Tour 2023

Willy Russell’s multi-award-winning musical Blood Brothers will play in theatres across the UK for its 2023 Summer tour. Presented by  Bill Kenwright,  the production stars  Niki Colwell Evans in the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, leading a fresh cast of newcomers and veterans of the show. Featuring memorable music including “Bright New Day”, “Marilyn Monroe”, and the show-stopping “Tell Me It’s Not True”, the captivating tale sees twins separated at birth, only to be reunited in a cruel twist of fate.

Niki Colwell Evans – Mrs Johnstone Danny Whitehead  – Narrator Sean Jones  – Mickey Joe Sleight – Eddie Paula Tappenden – Mrs Lyons Timothy Lucas – Sammy Gemma Broderick  – Linda Tim Churchill – Mr Lyons Nick Wilkes – Policeman/Teacher Jess Smith  – Brenda Tori Hargreaves – Donna-Marie/Miss Jones Graeme Kinniburgh – Postman/Bus Conductor Connor Bannister   – Perkins Josh Capper – Neighbour

2023 Tour Dates

Theatre Royal, Norwich 27 June – 1 July

Grand Theatre, Swansea

4 – 8 July

Theatre Royal, Nottingham 11 – 15 July

New Theatre, Hull 18 – 22 July

Arts Theatre, Cambridge 1 – 5 August

Venue Cymru, Llandudno 8 – 12 August

Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford 15 – 19 August

The Marlow Theatre, Canterbury 22 – 26 August

Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol 29 August – 2 September

Garrick Theatre, Lichfield 5 – 9 September

Oxford Playhouse, Oxford 12 – 16 September

Regent Theatre, Ipswich 19 – 23 September

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford 26 – 30 September

Theatre Royal, Brighton 3 – 7 October

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford 31 October – 4 November

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Blood Brothers

Today - saturday 15 july 2023, at theatre royal and royal concert hall.

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

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Review: Blood Brothers at Nottingham Theatre Royal

From start to finish the whole show was spectacular, and is one I would definitely recommend going to see

• 17:22, 13 JUL 2023

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Over the years I have seen dozens of theatre productions, but Willy Russel's Blood Brother's directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright could be my new favourite. Throughout the show at Nottingham Theatre Royal had the entire cast had the crowd in the palm of their hand, with the audience laughing and crying throughout the performance.

The performance followed the lives of the Johnstone twins who were separated at birth after their mum could only afford to keep one of them, and gave the other to her boss who was unable to have children. However, the boys found one another and became best friends despite not knowing the truth, until their different backgrounds and jealousy tore them apart and it became too late.

Danny Whitehead was a superb narrator who kept the show consistent and took the audience on the journey of watching the lives and deaths of the Johnstone twins, and no matter what was happening he was never far aware. Mrs Johnstone also stole the hearts of the audience, as Niki Colwell Evans gave a witty and brilliant performance as the mum of almost ten children.

What three words would you use to describe Nottinghamshire? Let us know

There were also plenty of opportunities for the actress to show off her extraordinary voice. During the final moments of the show the audience was silent as she cried over her twin boys, truly giving an unforgettable performance.

Sean Jones and Joe Sleight were the perfect choice for Mickey and Eddie, the Johnstone twins, and tackled the roles perfectly and really showed the twins growing up from just age seven until their deaths. Whilst Joe perfectly showed how posh and naive Eddie was in comparison to the Johnstones, Sean did a great job at being the naughty twin.

He also wowed the audience by showing Mickey's struggle with depression and dependence on drugs in his later years. Gemma Brodrick as Linda and Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons also gave truly emotional performances.

Not only was the acting brilliant in this production but so were the songs and choreography, which were all made even better by the live orchestra who did not miss a beat. The set design was also beautiful and helped to seamlessly change scenes.

From start to finish the whole show was spectacular, and is one I would definitely recommend going to see whilst it is still in Nottingham.

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Blood Brothers Tour 2023 UK | Tour Schedule and tickets

The Blood Brothers 2023 UK Tour is coming to a theatre near you. The Blood Brothers the musical has now been playing theatres in the UK and Ireland since 1983.

BLOOD BROTHERS 2023 UK TOUR

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

The West End production of Blood Brothers ran for 24 years where it became the third longest-running musical in West End running for over 10,000 performances.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval ” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes  Bright New Day ,  Marilyn Monroe  and the emotionally charged hit  Tell Me It’s Not True .

BLOOD BROTHERS UK TOUR REVIEWS

“Exhilarating … One of the best musicals ever written” Sunday Times

“Brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” The Daily Mail

Read our review.

Join Our Mailing List For Updated Tour Information

BLOOD BROTHERS THE MUSICAL TOUR – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

WHAT IS THE RUNNING TIME OF BLOOD BROTHERS THE MUSICAL?

Blood Brothers the musical runs for 2 hours and 50 minutes including an interval.

WHAT IS BLOOD BROTHERS ABOUT?

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers the musical tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

WHO WROTE BLOOD BROTHERS?

Blood Brothers started life as a play touring UK schools written by Willy Russell. Russell later adapted the play with music he had written. Willy Russell’s other plays include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.

WHO IS IN THE CAST OF BLOOD BROTHERS?

Niki Colwell Evans – Mrs Johnstone Richard Munday – Narrator Sean Jones – Mickey Joe Sleight – Eddie Paula Tappenden – Mrs Lyons Timothy Lucas – Sammy Olivia Sloyan – Linda Tim Churchill – Mr Lyons Nick Wilkes – Policeman/Teacher Amy Murphy – Brenda Gemma Brodrick – Donna-Marie/Miss Jones Jacob Yolland – Bus Conductor/Postman Connor Bannister – Perkins Josh Capper – Neighbour

Blood Brothers 2023 Tour Dates

Norwich Theatre Royal 27 June – 1 July 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Swansea Grand Theatre 4 – 8 July 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Theatre Royal Nottingham 11 – 15 July 2023 BOOK TICKETS

New Theatre Hull 18 – 22 July 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Congress Theatre Eastbourne 25 – 29 July 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Arts Theatre Cambridge 1 – 5 August 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Venue Cymru Llandudnoo 8 – 12 August 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Chelmsford Theatre 15 – 19 August 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Marlowe Theatre Canterbury 22 – 26 August 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Hippodrome Theatre Bristol 29 August – 2 September 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Linchfield Garrick 5 – 9 September 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Oxford Playhouse 12 – 16 September 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Regent Theatre Ipswich 19 – 23 September 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford 26 – 30 September 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Theatre Royal Brighton 3 – 7 October 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Bradford Alhambra 31 October – 4 November 2023 BOOK TICKETS

Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.

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Blood Brothers

About this show.

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

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Review: Blood Brothers at Nottingham Theatre Royal

It may be 30 years old now but the Blood Brothers musical still seems as fresh and popular as the day it was first performed.

There was a packed house and a deserved standing ovation at Nottingham Theatre Royal, where it is being performed until Saturday.

For those who do not know the story, it is the story of the Johnstone twins, Mickey and Eddie, one was kept and one was given away, and they were born and died on the same day.

For sheer drama ­— helped by the wonderful score ­— this musical cannot be beaten.

Lyn Paul, in her farewell tour in the role of Mrs Johnstone, brings plenty of power and emotion to the part of the abandoned mother struggling to make ends meet and virtually forced into giving one of her twins, Eddie, to the wealthy but childless Mrs Lyons.

The sinister narrator (Robbie Sotcher) always lurking in the background, questions the morals of the decision and hints at what is to come.

Terrified that the truth will come out, Mrs Lyons is determined that the twins should never meet but a series of coincidences bring them together and they become blood brothers, not knowing the truth, but as close as brothers ­— with tragic consequences.

Josh Capper, who played Mickey on press night, excelled in the role, transforming from the poor yet carefree youngster to the troubled young man struggling to support his wife and family ­— forced to watch while Eddie (Joel Benedict) has everything he needs.

From the first beat of the opening number, Blood Brothers draws you in and keeps you hooked through the highs and lows to the final tear-jerking conclusion. There is little wonder it is still going strong ­— SH.

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Blood brothers.

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Blood Brothers at the Theatre Royal Nottingham Review

21-25 november 2017.

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Theatre goers in Nottingham are treated to the legendary musical Blood Brothers, on its 30th Anniversary tour of the UK, this week as it is performed at the Theatre Royal until 25 November. Written by Willy Russell and set in 1960s post-war Liverpool, the first scene is atmospheric and moving as we see two bodies taken away by the police as the narrator, played with menace and doom by Dean Chisnall, introduces the story and creates a sense of foreboding and darkness that he carries through the whole of the drama.

Lyn Paul takes the leading role of Mrs Johnstone, struggling mum to 7. Paul, has played this part on and off for the last 20 years and has an incredible track record of musical accomplishments stretching back from being part of the New Seekers in the 1970s. She really makes this role her own in a stunning performance. As her husband leaves her, for a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, she takes a job cleaning for a rich couple who can’t have their own children. On discovering she is pregnant again – this time with twins – and with social services breathing down her neck and money very tight, she reluctantly agrees to give one of the twins away to her boss, played by Sarah Jane Buckley, in the hope he will have a better life.

The twin boys – Mickey played by Sean Jones and Eddie, played by Mark Hutchinson, grow up on very different sides of the track but fate collides as their lives are brought together on many occasions, despite their mothers trying to keep them apart for fear of them finding out the truth. As Mickey struggles in a factory job and is tempted into a life of crime, we see Eddie go off university and the two mix in completely opposite circles. The one person who brings them together is childhood sweetheart, Linda (played brilliantly by Danielle Corlass) creating the eternal love triangle.

Although this play has been running for 30 years it touches on timeless themes – a mother’s unconditional love, class struggles, childhood friendships, mental health issues and ultimately how the truth always comes out. It is definitely a story of its time yet doesn’t feel dated and has a classic score of musical favourites including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the wonderful hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

There are incredible performances from all of the cast and in an emotionally charged finale which is both powerful and shocking we see why Blood Brothers has been affectionally dubbed the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’.

Don’t miss it!!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £16 to £42.50 (booking fees may apply).

Blood Brothers is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from 21-25 November 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND | 0115 989 5555

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BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour Sets New Dates and Venues

The musical returns after a short break from 26 June to late 2023.

Bill Kenwright 's legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical,   Blood Brothers will continue to tour across the UK with latest dates, venues and casting revealed. The musical  returns after a short break with gusto from 26 June to late 2023. Starting back in Norwich, Blood Brothers will travel up and down the country this summer and autumn with further venues to be announced. 

Niki Colwell Evans and Sean Jones , will continue to play the iconic roles of Mrs Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone respectively, with Gemma Brodrick stepping into the role of Linda, the “role of a lifetime” for the actress who has been a part of the production since she began in 2019.

Niki Colwell Evans first rose to fame in 2007 when she reached the semi-final of series 4 of The X Factor UK mentored by Louis Walsh . After her debut solo single ‘Love Me No More’ in 2008, she went on to play the iconic role Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers at The Phoenix Theatre between 2008-2009 and in 2010 where she received rave reviews from critics. Following on from this she performed in the pantomimes Cinderella as the Fairy Godmother at the Wolverhampto n Grand Theatre (2009-2010) and in Kinky Boots as Trish (UK Tour 2018/21). She played the role of Paule tte in the musical adaptation ofLegally Blonde (UK Tour 2012) receiving high acclaim for her performance as Elle’s sassy confidante. Over the years, Niki has toured as a solo singer with pop stars such as Sonia, Lonnie Gordon, Big Fun and Yell. In 2016, she performed at the Queen’s 90th celebrations at Windsor Castle alongside Dame Helen Mirren , Damien Lewis , Andrea Boccelli, Katherine Jenkins , Gary Barlow , Kylie Minogue and many more.

Se an Jones continues in the role of Mickey in Blood Brothers. Other stage credits include: Aladdin; Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan; Cinderella; Snow White (UK Tour); Macbeth (UK Tour and Singapore); and Jacqueline’s Wilson’s world premiere of Wave Me Goodbye (Theatr Clwyd). TV credits include: Emmerdale; The Royal Today; and Hollyoaks.

Completing the current cast for 2023 is Joe Sleight   (Eddie), Danny Whitehead (Narrator) and Timothy Lucas (Sammy) , Josh Capper   (Neighbour),   Paula Tappenden (Mrs Lyons), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Jess Smith (Brenda) , Tori Hargreaves (Donna Marie/ Miss Jones ), Connor Bannister   (Perkins), Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor), and Nick Wilkes(Teacher/Policeman).

Written by award-winning playwright   Willy Russell , few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning   Blood Brothers.   Considered   'one of the best musicals ever written'   (Sunday Times),   Bill Kenwright ’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.    It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it   “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval”   (Daily Mail).  

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at  The Liverpool Playhouse  in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.  

The superb score includes A Bright New Day,  Marilyn Monroe  and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True. 

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.  

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again - this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show's shattering climax. 

Willy Russell  is undeniably one of this country's leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring  Michael Caine  and  Julie Walters . Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring  Pauline Collins and Tom Conti . The celebrated on-woman play earned Russell his third Olivier Award and is currently running on the West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre until June 2023, starring Sheridan Smith .

Norwich Theatre Royal                                  norwichtheatre.org Tue 27 June – Sat 1 July 2023                          01603 630 000

Swansea Grand Theatre                                  swanseagrand.co.uk Tue 4 – Sat 8 July 2023                                    01792 475715

Nottingham Theatre Royal                             trch.co.uk Tue 11 – Sat 15 July 2023                                0115 989 5555

Hull New Theatre                                            hulltheatres.co.uk Tue 18 – Sat 22 July 2023                                01482 300 306

Eastbourne Congress Theatre                       eastbournetheatres.co.uk Tue 25 – Sat 29 July 2023                               01323 412000

Cambridge Arts Theatre                                 cambridgeartstheatre.com                   

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Aug 2023                                   01223 503333

Venue Cymru Llandudno                               venuecymru.co.uk Tue 8 – Sat 12 Aug 2023                                 01492 872000

Chelmsford Civic Theatre                               chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk Tue 15 – Sat 19 Aug 2023                               01245 606 505 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                         marlowetheatre.com Tue 22 – Sat 26 Aug 2023                                01227 78778

Bristol Hippodrome                                        atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome Tue 29 Aug – Sat 2 Sept 2023                         0844 871 7627

Linchfield Garrick                                           lichfieldgarrick.com Tue 5 – Sat 9 Sept 2023                                  01543 412121

Oxford Playhouse                                           oxfordplayhouse.com Tue 12 – Sat 16 Sept 2023                              01865305305  

Ipswich Regent Theatres                               ipswichtheatres.co.uk Tue 19 – Sat 23 Sept 2023                              01473 433100 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                               yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Tue 26 – Sat 30 Sept 2023                              01483 44 00 00

Brighton Theatre Royal                                   atgtickets.com/brighton

Tue 3 – Sat 7 Oct 202 3                                    0844 871 7615

Bradford The Alhambra                                  bradford-theatres.co.uk                     Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023                           01274 432000                                      

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Multi Award-Winning Production of ‘Blood Brothers’ Announces Latest UK Tour Dates

Bill Kenwright ‘s legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical,  Blood Brothers  continues to tour across the UK with latest dates, venues and casting announced. The much-loved musical, known for sell out houses across the country, returns after a short break with gusto from 26 June to late 2023. Starting back in Norwich, Blood Brothers will travel up and down the country this summer and autumn with further venues to be announced. 

Niki Colwell Evans  and  Sean Jones , will continue to play the iconic roles of Mrs Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone respectively, with Gemma Brodrick stepping into the role of Linda, the “role of a lifetime” for the actress who has been a part of the production since she began in 2019.

Niki Colwell Evans  first rose to fame in 2007 when she reached the semi-final of series 4 of The X Factor UK mentored by Louis Walsh. After her debut solo single  ‘Love Me No More ’ in 2008, she went on to play the iconic role Mrs Johnstone in  Blood Brothers  at the Phoenix Theatre between 2008-2009 and in 2010 where she received rave reviews from critics. Following on from this she performed in the pantomimes  Cinderella  as the Fairy Godmother at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (2009-2010) and in  Kinky Boots  as Trish (UK Tour 2018/21). She played the role of Paulette in the musical adaptation of  Legally Blonde  (UK Tour 2012) receiving high acclaim for her performance as Elle’s sassy confidante. Over the years, Niki has toured as a solo singer with pop stars such as Sonia, Lonnie Gordon, Big Fun and Yell. In 2016, she performed at the Queen’s 90 th  celebrations at Windsor Castle alongside Dame Helen Mirren, Damien Lewis, Andrea Boccelli, Katherine Jenkins, Gary Barlow, Kylie Minogue and many more.

Se an Jones  continues in the role of Mickey in  Blood Brothers . Other stage credits include:  Aladdin; Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan; Cinderella; Snow White  (UK Tour) ; Macbeth  (UK Tour and Singapore); and Jacqueline’s Wilson’s world premiere of  Wave Me Goodbye  (Theatr Clwyd). TV credits include:  Emmerdale;   The Royal Today ; and  Hollyoaks .

Completing the current cast for 2023 is  Joe Sleight  (Eddie),  Danny Whitehead  (Narrator) and  Timothy Lucas  (Sammy),  Josh Capper  (Neighbour),  Paula Tappenden  (Mrs Lyons),  Tim Churchill  (Mr Lyons), Jess Smith  (Brenda),  Tori Hargreaves  (Donna Marie/Miss Jones),  Connor Bannister  (Perkins),  Graeme Kinniburgh  (Postman/Bus Conductor), and  Nick Wilkes  (Teacher/Policeman).

Written by award-winning playwright  Willy Russell , few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning  Blood Brothers . Considered  ‘one of the best musicals ever written’  ( Sunday Times ), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.  It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it  “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval”  ( Daily Mail ). 

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.  

The superb score includes  A Bright New Day ,  Marilyn Monroe  and the emotionally charged hit  Tell Me It’s Not True . 

Blood Brothers  tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.  

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a   moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.  

Willy Russell  is undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include  Educating Rita  and  Shirley Valentine .  Educating Rita , originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters.  Shirley Valentine  also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. The celebrated on-woman play earned Russell his third Olivier Award and is currently running on the West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre until June 2023, starring Sheridan Smith.

Norwich Theatre Royal                                   norwichtheatre.org Tue 27 June – Sat 1 July 2023                         01603 630 000

Swansea Grand Theatre                                 swanseagrand.co.uk Tue 4 – Sat 8 July 2023                                   01792 475715

Nottingham Theatre Royal                             trch.co.uk Tue 11 – Sat 15 July 2023                               0115 989 5555

Hull New Theatre                                            hulltheatres.co.uk Tue 18 – Sat 22 July 2023                               01482 300 306

Eastbourne Congress Theatre                        eastbournetheatres.co.uk Tue 25 – Sat 29 July 2023                               01323 412000

Cambridge Arts Theatre                                  cambridgeartstheatre.com                   

Tue 1 – Sat 5 Aug 2023                                   01223 503333

Venue Cymru Llandudno                                venuecymru.co.uk Tue 8 – Sat 12 Aug 2023                                 01492 872000

Chelmsford Civic Theatre                                chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk Tue 15 – Sat 19 Aug 2023                               01245 606 505 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                         marlowetheatre.com Tue 22 – Sat 26 Aug 2023                               01227 78778

Bristol Hippodrome                                         atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome Tue 29 Aug – Sat 2 Sept 2023                         0844 871 7627

Linchfield Garrick                                            lichfieldgarrick.com Tue 5 – Sat 9 Sept 2023                                  01543 412121

Oxford Playhouse                                            oxfordplayhouse.com Tue 12 – Sat 16 Sept 2023                              01865305305

Ipswich Regent Theatres                                ipswichtheatres.co.uk Tue 19 – Sat 23 Sept 2023                              01473 433100 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud                               yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Tue 26 – Sat 30 Sept 2023                              01483 44 00 00

Brighton Theatre Royal                                   atgtickets.com/brighton

Tue 3 – Sat 7 Oct 2023                                    0844 871 7615

Bradford The Alhambra                                   bradford-theatres.co.uk                     Tue 31 Oct – Sat 4 Nov 2023                          01274 432000                                    

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East Midlands Theatre.

Theatre promotion, review: blood brothers at nottingham theatre royal.

For a show to be still going and selling out theatres on tour it must have a lot to offer. Such is the case with Willy Russell’s musical theatre piece – Blood Brothers . The work celebrates its 29 th anniversary this year and the current Bill Kenwright touring version is a fine example of top class theatrical entertainment.

The rich Liverpudlian tapestry of its story amuses, grabs one by the throat emotionally and pulls at the heart strings. Lyn Paul stars as Mrs Johnston mother of many kids and a fondness for catalogue shopping. Lyn Paul is a popular choice for the role and her performance is that of an actress/singer at the top of her game.

The story begins dramatically with a backdrop of Liverpool at night and the lights reflecting on the Mersey river. The two grown up twins Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joel Benedict) being carried away dead. The narrator (Kristopher Harding) presides and speaks directly to the audience “So, did you ever hear the story of the Johnston twins, both alike as two new pins, of one womb born on the self same day, how one was kept and the other given away…” Thus unfolds the story beginning in the 1960’s.

The first half is fun and jolly with just a hint of the menace to come. The kids are all played by adults and Mickey Johnston eventually palls up with Eddie Lyons not realising that Eddie is actually his twin brother. Eddie has been secretly given away to the Lyons family by Mrs Johnston because she can’t afford another mouth to feed. Mrs Lyons is played in this production by Paula Tappenden. Mickey and Eddie become Blood Brothers until one day when the Lyons family move away and Mickey loses his best friend. Re-housing plans mean that not too soon after the Johnston tribe are re-located to the countryside to start a new life.

The second half finds Eddie and Mickey changing from their innocent childhood ways as they both turn for fourteen to eighteen. Later on Eddie has become a councillor and Mickey unemployed and in prison. They both fall in love with the same girl – Linda (Danielle Corlass) causing a tear in their friendship and leading to the tragic death of both brothers.

Although the show only had a short run original run in the West End in 1983 (subsequently going on tour) a revival in 1991 found Laurence Olivier Award winning Blood Brothers playing for more than 10,000 performances until it closed its West End run in November 2012. The show features some well loved songs such as Tell Me It’s Not True, Marilyn Monroe, My Child, Easy Terms, Shoes Upon The Table, Long Sunday Afternoon, Bright New Day, The Devil’s Got Your Number and I’m Not Saying A Word.

At Nottingham Theatre Royal the packed opening night house are utterly gripped by this vibrant tale told with great energy and obvious love by the talented multi-skilled ensemble. Whether the audience members are long term fans of this show or come to it totally afresh this sterling production seems as fresh as ever proving Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers (directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright) to be right at the top of popular musical theatre hits. If you can get a ticket go see it!

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Blood Brothers Tour

The Blood Brothers UK tour   will continue its tour into 2024!  More dates to be added… Sign up to our touring alerts and we will let you know when the show comes to your area. 

BLOOD BROTHERS UK TOUR 2024 DATES & TICKETS

Blood Brothers Tour TORQUAY Tue 19 Mar – Sat 23 Mar 2024 Blood Brothers Tour KINGS LYNN Tue 12 Mar – Sat 16 Mar 2024 Blood Brothers Tour SOUTHAMPTON Tue 27 Feb – Sat 02 Mar 2024 Blood Brothers Tour SHREWSBURY Tue 13 Feb – Sat 17 Feb 2024 Blood Brothers Tour NEW BRIGHTON Tue 06 Feb – Sat 10 Feb 2024 Blood Brothers Tour NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Tue 30 Jan – Sat 03 Feb 2024 Blood Brothers Tour MALVERN Tue 23 Jan – Sat 27 Jan 2024 Blood Brothers Tour WOKING Tue 16 Jan – Sat 20 Jan 2024 Blood Brothers Tour BRADFORD Tue 31 Oct – Sat 04 Nov 2023 Blood Brothers Tour SAFFRON WALDEN Tue 24 Oct – Sat 28 Oct 2023 Blood Brothers Tour BRIGHTON Tue 03 Oct – Sat 07 Oct 2023 Blood Brothers Tour GUILDFORD Tue 26 Sep – Sat 30 Sep 2023 Blood Brothers Tour IPSWICH Tue 19 Sep – Sat 23 Sep 2023 Blood Brothers Tour OXFORD Tue 12 Sep – Sat 16 Sep 2023 Blood Brothers Tour LICHFIELD Tue 05 Sep – Sat 09 Sep 2023 Blood Brothers Tour BRISTOL Tue 29 Aug – Sat 02 Sep 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CANTERBURY Tue 22 Aug – Sat 26 Aug 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CHELMSFORD Tue 15 Aug – Sat 19 Aug 2023 Blood Brothers Tour LLANDUDNO Tue 08 Aug – Sat 12 Aug 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CAMBRIDGE Tue 01 Aug – Sat 05 Aug 2023 Blood Brothers Tour EASTBOURNE Tue 25 Jul – Sat 29 Jul 2023 Blood Brothers Tour HULL Tue 18 Jul – Sat 22 Jul 2023 Blood Brothers Tour NOTTINGHAM Tue 11 Jul – Sat 15 Jul 2023 Blood Brothers Tour SWANSEA Tue 04 Jul – Sat 08 Jul 2023 Blood Brothers Tour NORWICH Tue 27 Jun – Sat 01 Jul 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CRAWLEY Tue 18 Apr – Sat 22 Apr 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CHELTENHAM Tue 11 Apr – Sat 15 Apr 2023 Blood Brothers Tour HASTINGS Tue 04 Apr – Sat 08 Apr 2023 Blood Brothers Tour COVENTRY Tue 28 Mar – Sat 01 Apr 2023 Blood Brothers Tour WELLINGBOROUGH Tue 21 Mar – Sat 25 Mar 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CREWE Tue 14 Mar – Sat 18 Mar 2023 Blood Brothers Tour SWINDON Tue 07 Mar – Sat 11 Mar 2023 Blood Brothers Tour BROMLEY Tue 28 Feb – Sat 04 Mar 2023 Blood Brothers Tour RICHMOND Tue 21 Feb – Sat 25 Feb 2023 Blood Brothers Tour DUBLIN Tue 07 Feb – Sat 18 Feb 2023 Blood Brothers Tour DERRY / LONDONDERRY Tue 31 Jan – Sat 04 Feb 2023 Blood Brothers Tour CHESTERFIELD Tue 24 Jan – Sat 28 Jan 2023 Blood Brothers Tour SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Tue 17 Jan – Sat 21 Jan 2023 Blood Brothers Tour POOLE Tue 22 Nov – Sat 26 Nov 2022 Blood Brothers Tour AYLESBURY Tue 15 Nov – Sat 19 Nov 2022 Blood Brothers Tour LIVERPOOL Tue 25 Oct – Sat 05 Nov 2022 Blood Brothers Tour SALFORD Tue 18 Oct – Sat 22 Oct 2022 Blood Brothers Tour STOKE-ON-TRENT Tue 27 Sep – Sat 01 Oct 2022 Blood Brothers Tour SUNDERLAND Tue 20 Sep – Sat 24 Sep 2022 Blood Brothers Tour MILTON KEYNES Tue 30 Aug – Sat 03 Sep 2022 Blood Brothers Tour TRURO Tue 26 Apr – Sat 30 Apr 2022 Blood Brothers Tour DERBY Tue 19 Apr – Sat 23 Apr 2022 Blood Brothers Tour YORK Tue 05 Apr – Sat 09 Apr 2022 Blood Brothers Tour PETERBOROUGH Tue 29 Mar – Sat 02 Apr 2022 Blood Brothers Tour HIGH WYCOMBE Tue 22 Mar – Sat 26 Mar 2022 Blood Brothers Tour BARNSTAPLE Tue 15 Mar – Sat 19 Mar 2022 Blood Brothers Tour WIMBLEDON Tue 08 Feb – Sat 12 Feb 2022 Blood Brothers Tour WINDSOR Fri 14 Jan – Sat 29 Jan 2022 Blood Brothers Tour PLYMOUTH Tue 17 Aug – Mon 23 Aug 2021

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Official Website: https://www.bloodbrothersmusical.com

WHAT IS BLOOD BROTHERS THE MUSICAL ABOUT?

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers . Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day , Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True .

BLOOD BROTHERS UK TOUR - CAST & CREATIVE

The Blood Brothers cast for the 2024 tour dates (up until Birmingham) is as follows:

• Niki Colwell Evans  – Mrs Johnstone
• Sean Jones  – Mickey
• Joe Sleight – Eddie
• Sarah Jane Buckley  – Mrs Lyons
• Timothy Lucas – Sammy
• Gemma Brodrick – Linda
• Tim Churchill – Mr Lyons
• Alex Harland  – Policeman/Teacher
• Jess Smith  – Brenda
• Chloe Pole  – Donna-Marie/Miss Jones
• Graeme Kinniburgh  – Bus Conductor/Postman
• Josh Capper  – Neighbour

Autumn 2024 Tour casting yet to be confirmed.

Book, Music & Lyrics by Willy Russell

Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

BLOOD BROTHERS TOUR TRAILER - WATCH THE VIDEO!

Listen to music from blood brothers.

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