Lyn Paul to star in Blood Brothers 2019 tour

Lyn Paul will return to Blood Brothers for the final time in a new tour from August 2019.

Paul, who first appeared in the show in 1997 and many times since, performed as Mrs Johnstone in the final West End performance of the musical at Phoenix Theatre in 2012. She will appear in the production when it opens at Cork Opera House from 5 August and then on tour to venues including Canterbury, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, Derby, Hull, York, Crewe, Hastings and Dartford.

Willy Russell's hit tragic musical, about two brothers separated at birth who go on to meet again later in life, ran in the West End for 24 years and won a number of awards on both sides of the Atlantic. It includes numbers such as "Marilyn Monroe" and "Tell Me It's Not True".

Paul said: "I am beyond thrilled to be returning to Blood Brothers in this iconic role. I'm honoured to have been given the opportunity to undertake this 'farewell tour' by my good friend, Bill Kenwright. It's such a privilege to be able to play Mrs Johnstone one final time".

Further casting for the tour will be announced in due course.

The tour will be directed by Kenwright and Bob Tomson, with design by Andy Walmsley, sound design by Dan Samson, musical direction by Kelvin Towse and lighting by Nick Richings.