Blood Brothers is back on tour across the UK in 2023, starring Niki Colwell Evans as Mrs. Johntsone. Bill Kenwright’s “Dazzling” production (Sunday Telegraph) of this iconic British musical, with book, music & lyrics by Willy Russell, will play multiple venues across the United Kingdom.
Blood Brothers has seen a variety of revivals across the globe; in the West End, UK tours, Australia, Broadway and even South Africa. Huge stars have featured in the production, and the role of Mrs Johnstone has been played by the likes of Barbara Dickson, Stephanie Lawrence, the Nolan Sisters, Marti Webb, Carole King and Melanie Chisholm.
Seen by millions all over the world, Blood Brothers continues to be one of theatre’s favourite musicals. Memorable songs such as “Marilyn Monroe”, “Shoes Upon the Table”, “Easy Terms” and “Tell Me It’s Not True” have become staples of the British musical repertoire.
The Story
Blood Brothers is the heart-breaking story of Mickey and Edward, two brothers separated at birth but brought together again through an unlikely friendship. With their familial relationship concealed by their parents, who have striven to keep them apart because of superstitious beliefs, the pair find themselves irreversibly intertwined.
Despite relocating, their lives continue to be tangled, although the deep divisions between Edward’s privileged life and Mickey’s poverty-stricken existence begin to be a burden. As they try to conquer social divisions, their friendship is damaged and they are forced to deal with the harsh realities of class consciousness, with Edward leaving to attend Oxford, whilst Mickey spirals into a life of crime.
As adults, the brothers are caught in a vicious love triangle with Mickey’s childhood sweetheart, Linda. When Mickey is imprisoned, Linda’s subsequent depression forces her into the arms of a conciliatory Edward. A desperate Mickey decides to take action against his fraternal twin, which ultimately exposes their true identities.
Sadly missed – but I suspect it will be back
One of the Great British musicals – hence it’s long run here and Broadway success.
Hope to see it back soon
What an amazing musical, I was gripped from start to finish.. Very upsetting that it will not be showing any longer at phoenix, I hope they change their mind and bring it back!
it was excellent, i recommend it to all you guys xD
Bob obviously watched something else.
I saw Blood Brothers over 100 times, mostly at The Phoenix in the West End, and in many other parts of the country, including The Sunderland Empire.
When I went, Mrs Johnstone was always LYN PAUL, and she was brilliant in the role.
That`s why Bill Kenwright chose her, out of all the women who have ever led the cast, LYN PAUL is the undisputed definitive “Mrs J” of all time.
Bob, the show was not/is not terrible, it is gutsy, down to earth pure theatre. An incredible show, which needed little publicity, or big hit records in the pop charts. It has run, and continues to run all over the world, and it will return in triumph to the West End one day because it is real class. A giant amongst musicals…
I first saw Linda Nolan as “Mrs J”……such a powerful voice from a tiny lady,and to recover from cancer is amazing.
Lyn Paul is THE best Mrs J
OMFG. Best thing Ive ever seen live.
Love love love this. I was going to take my fella. I can’t believe it’s not showing at the moment
Fantastic musical- bob’s obviously got no soul!! See 3 different Nolan sisters and lyn paul as Mrs J- always fantastic – heart wrenching- going to see it again soon in Sheffield with the wonderful Marti pellow- long may it reign
Blood Brothers was one of the best shows that I have seen. It was great and so moving such a great story.
This is one of the worlds greatest theatre productions ever and it should not close
It was the best show i ever seen in London. Can’t wait to see it again.
Saw blood brother when it came to cheltenham a few years ago with school – LOVED IT. Took my boyfriend, mum and her partner to see it last week as it came back to cheltenham again, still amazing and I cannot even describe how fantastic the cast were! Maureen Nolan made an amazing Mrs J and the boys playing Sammy, Eddie and Mickey could not have been cast better!
I went to watch Blood Brothers for the first time in the Sheffield theatre last month. I can honestly say it was the best show I have ever seen! I cried, laughed, even winced slightly at the gun shots. Definitely worth watching!
we are currntly doing this in drama at uni it is a very good play bit of a sad one, i hope yopu all like it cause their will never be on e shown ever again,GOODLUCKGUYSSS!
Can’t believe the tour is closing!!!!!!!! MUST MUST MUST come out on DVD?!? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE – maybe a recording of the last night of the tour??? best musical ever! Les Mis is currently sold out courtesy of the film, and the same was shown for Phantom and Mamma Mia – BRING OUT A FILM!
A great show. A good story,songs and simple sets can be just as effective and enjoyable as the big lavish productions. I would like to see it again.
This play is what got my love affair with theatre started as a young boy. A truely fantastic musical/play that brought tears and laughter. You’d have to be mad to not like it!!
OMG Love Blood Brothers…did promise my hubby I would stop going to see it on tour and West End when I reached 50 times…. didnt quite manage it made it to 51 :)…. loved it so much and will miss it
this play is amazing x 🙂
Left me feeling as if I had been a part of the story. I was mesmorised from beginning to the end!
I went to see this last night with My lovely friend thank you. . At the Marlowe Theatre Canterbury.
What an amazing show iv seen it in the west end & this show was absolutely fantastic too. Such great acting & singing. At some points you could of heard a pin drop with the whole audience focused on the story on stage. Love it but so sad too . .
I am from Canada and was studying in London for a month in 1993. I has no desire to ever see a musical. But one of the other students wanted me to go to one with her. she chose to go to Blood Brothers… it was life changing. I liked it so much I have been going to musicals ever since. It is still my favorite… I listen to the sound track all the time!
Been to see this tonight for the first time and I must say it was incredible so happy I went and would recommend to anyone…… I would happily go and see this again thankyou for an awesome evening
Went to see Blood Brothers last night at #GrandOperaHouseYork It’s the umpteenth time I’ve seen it & it was great but I must say #GemmaBrodrick was SENSATIONAL as Mrs Lyons! I believe she usually portrays the more minor character of Donna-Marie, but stepped up (literally), into the role of the wretched “other mother” last night. She played Mrs Lyons with such gut-wrenching honesty that you could FEEL her desperation & empathise with her as she became more and more broken and terrified. It is all too easy to play this challenging role as a one-dimensional “rich bitch” but Gemma made you really care, and understand what drives Mrs Lyons. Last night I thought her equally as much of a tragedy as the iconic Mrs Johnstone. The only time I’ve ever felt real sympathy for this difficult character & her journey! Bravo Gemma. Mrs J (played by her understudy, Chloe Taylor – who normally plays Mrs. Lyons – do keep up with me won’t you?) was canny, humorous, oozed pathos and still made you feel as if she was the only one who has ever sung that heart-popping song at the inevitable conclusion! Having said that the entire ensemble were excellent, full of verve and energy, with each member putting their own little stamps on characters which are decades old and, in careless hands, could easily become staid & dull. Standing ovation and four curtain calls! They did #WillyRussell proud! Excellent #BloodBrothers
Was an amazing night and a great birthday surprise whilst in York the acting and singing was amazing a very engaging and thought provoking musical
I’ve seen it a few times and loved it.
Brilliant show. Seen it twice now and the end is so full of emotion which can be felt within the music. Cant wait to see it again. Saw it at crewe on the 6th and the actress who plays the mother has such a strong voice and for me she made me feel the emotion of the play
It was magnificent imply outstanding
It was great 4 my last year11 trip
I remember watching this is in school and I absolutely loved it. Hoping to watch it again! – great story line
I’ve only seen blood brothers 9 times all at the Phoenix. It is without doubt the best musical to hit the London stage. I’ve seen different stars as Mrs Johnson and they are were brill, the best I saw was a Barbara Dickinson. It’s a tremendous show and one not to be missed and when on in my area I will attempt to get tickets again.
Blood Brothers resonates with me so much because my dad’s family were a poverty stricken family that was moved from a terrace in a poverty stricken area in Liverpool out to Skem. I hold the show close to my heart from the graffiti on the walls on the set , to the Liverpool backdrop and the incredible job the cast always does of our accent. They do us proud each and every time. I’ve only ever seen Blood Brothers at the Empire and needless to say, there is a standing ovation each and every time Blood Brothers comes home <3
I’m sorry I missed the tour, my late husband and I first saw the show in London when it had only been open a short while, with Kiki Dee as Mrs J. Fantastic show, hope it tours again.
I would like to be an actor in blood brothers
What a show by a supreme showman Good Times Bill Kenwright! Perhaps he should concentrate on theatre and retire from ruining football clubs!
Just watched the Southend on Sea performance, WOW. I have never felt such emotion and passion from all the cast. Truly amazing performance and extremely talented, well acted and well sung. Would definitely wat unit again. 5* and AmAzInG
Very sad to see just a conductor and a computer in the pit in the performance in Derry last night. Really missed the live band.
Saw This in Swindon last Evening – Completely blown away, one of the best Musicals I have ever seen inside or outside of London, Fantastic Voices Superb music, and technically spot on the whole cast and crew were on point.
A strong story Powerfully portrayed, with an Emotional hit . this is my New favourite