Theatre News

Blood Brothers Bonanza!

Willy Russell’s epic musical tale Blood Brothers, widely regarded as one of the best musicals of all time, is set to arrive at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle for two weeks only from 28 February to 12 March.

Set in Liverpool, Blood Brothers tells the intriguing story of twin boys separated at birth, raised on different sides of the track and reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. 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.

The show has been running in London’s West End since July 1988, touring the UK since 1995 and has performed sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.

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

Playing the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone is Niki Evans, who rose to fame in 2007’s X-Factor where she reached the semi-final. A child star, Niki was in her early teens when she signed a contract with Libedo Records and went on to tour alongside Sonia, Lonnie Gordon, Big Fun and Yell. She has since sung with John Barrowman and alongside Kim Wilde and Heather Small, and released her debut album and single ‘Love me no more’.

Blood Brothers is a Bill Kenwright production with designs by Andy Walmsley. Nick Richings is the lighting designer and Rod Edwards the production musical director.

Blood Brothers appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 28 February to 12 March 2011 Tickets are priced £12.00 – £37.50 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at the Theatre Royal website.