Casting announced for Blood Brothers UK tour

Casting has been announced for the Blood Brothers UK tour. 

The show opens tonight at Malvern Festival Theatre and is booking to 22nd April 2017. Lyn Paul will continue to star as Mrs Johnstone.

Fresh from starring in Shrek, Dean Chisnall is joining the show as the Narrator. Sean Jones will continue as Mickey until 23rd October whilst Joel Benedict will play Eddie until 1st October.

Review: Lyn Paul returns to Blood Brothers at the Richmond Theatre

Blood Brothers (UK Tour)
Richmond Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 25th January 2016
★★★★★

The West End hasn't been the same since Blood Brothers closed in 2012, thankfully the show lives on with its long-running UK tour. Lyn Paul, who first starred in the show in 1997 and reprised her performance many times, has returned to Blood Brothers once again to lead the cast as Mrs Johnstone.

Casting announced for Blood Brothers 2016 UK tour

Casting has been announced for the 2016 UK tour of Blood Brothers.

As previously announced, Lyn Paul will reprise her performance as Mrs Johnstone in the musical which opens in Peterborough on 12th January 2016. She takes over from Maureen Nolan who departs Blood Brothers to join the 2016 UK tour of Footloose.

The cast will also include: Kris Harding as Narrator, Sean Jones as Mickey, Joel Benedict as Eddie, Peter Washington as Sammy, Danielle Corlass as Linda, Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons, Tim Churchill as Mr Lyons, Laura Harrison as Donna Marie/Miss Jones, Graham Martin as Policeman/Teacher, Lois Molloy as Brenda and Graeme Kinniburgh as Bus Conductor.

Lyn Paul returning to Blood Brothers

It has been announced that Lyn Paul is returning to Blood Brothers next year.

The star will reprise her performance as Mrs Johnstone in the show's 2016 UK tour which opens in Peterborough on 12th January.

Paul first played Mrs Johnstone in 1997 and was last seen in the role for the final two weeks of the West End run at the Phoenix Theatre in 2012. Her theatre credits also include Cabaret, Taboo and Footloose.

Full casting confirmed for Blood Brothers 2015 UK Tour

Full casting has been confirmed for the 2015 UK Tour of Blood Brothers. As previously announced, Marti Pellow (Narrator ) and Maureen Nolan (Mrs Johnstone) are leading the cast.

They are joined by: Sean Jones (Mickey), Joel Benedict (Eddie), Danielle Corlass (Linda ), Kate Jarman (Mrs Lyons), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Danny Taylor (Sammy ), Graham Martin (Policeman/Teacher), Laura Harrison (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Joe Sleight (Perkins), Ryan-Lee Seager (Neighbour), Lois Molloy (Brenda) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Bus Conductor). 

The tour is currently running at Sheffield's Lyceum Theatre and is booking until 2nd May 2015. Blood Brothers is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright with design by Andy Walmsley. Dan Samson is the sound designer, Tom De Keyser is the musical supervisor and Kelvin Towse is the musical director.

Marti Pellow returns to Blood Brothers

It has been announced that Marti Pellow will reprise his performance as the Narrator in Blood Brothers next year. 

He will rejoin the touring cast, alongside Maureen Nolan as Mrs Johnstone, from Tuesday 13th January 2015. Pellow most recently played Che in the West End revival of Evita at the Dominion Theatre.

Big Interview: Perry O'Dea

Perry O'Dea is currently understudying Pharoah in the UK Tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Back in October 2012, Perry was one of West End Frame’s first ever interviewees whilst still in training at Arts Ed. He went on to make his professional debut in Evita (UK Tour) before understudying Mickey in Blood Brothers (UK Tour). 

This Christmas Perry will return home to the Isle of Man to play The Cauldron in Puss In Boots (Royal Hall) and next year he will go back on the road with the new touring production of Oklahoma.

I recently caught up with Perry to discuss how he survives a ten show week in Joseph, why playing Mickey in Blood Brothers was a dream come true and what inspired him to get into musical theatre…

How is life in Joseph?

It’s fun! I’m loving it! I’ve never been part of a cast who have bonded so much. You become like a weird family because you spend so much time together. Usually you’re at the theatre from six until ten, but we’re with each other from half twelve to ten every day because of our performance schedule (Joseph has matinees on Wednesdays-Fridays and plays three shows on Saturdays). You get really close to everyone; it is like a dysfunctional family [laughs]. I have enjoyed it… but I am very tired!

What is your secret to surviving a ten show week?

Well I don’t know how I’ve done it [laughs]! You’ve got to be able to pick each other up and you’ve got to be a really good company member – have a laugh and have fun. Obviously, like with any show, you’re trying to tell a story… even though it’s a slightly wacky story [laughs]. We always have fun and try new things. 

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see Blood Brothers on tour!

We are giving away a pair of free top price tickets to the UK Tour of BLOOD BROTHERS! To enter the competition, simply sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below.

The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Thursday 2nd October 2014 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid on Monday – Thursday performances at all tour venues until 29th January 2015.

Even if you already subscribe to West End Frame's newsletter you still have to input your details below to enter this particular competition. You will not receive our newsletter twice (assuming you enter the same email address). Please read the terms and conditions below.

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

Full casting confirmed for Blood Brothers UK Tour

Full casting has been confirmed for the Blood Brothers UK Tour which resumes performances on Tuesday 2nd September 2014 at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.

Joining the previously announced Maureen Nolan (pictured right) as Mrs Johnstone and Sean Jones as Mickey are: Kristofer Harding (Narrator), Joel Benedict (Eddie), Kate Jarman (Mrs Lyons), Danielle Corlass (Linda), Danny Taylor (Sammy), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Tori Hargreaves (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Ben Rowland (Perkins), Ryan-Lee Seager (Neighbour & Mickey understudy), Lois Molloy (Brenda), Graeme Kinniburgh (Bus Conductor) and Graham Martin (Policeman/Teacher).

Casting announced for Blood Brothers UK Tour

According to WhatsOnStage, it has been confirmed that Maureen Nolan will reprise her performance as Mrs Johnstone in the Blood Brothers UK Tour which resumes performances on 2nd September at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.

The cast will also include Kristofer Harding as Narrator and Sean Jones as Mickey.

Bill Kenwright's touring production is set to also vidit: Belfast, Dublin, Birmingham, Glasgow, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Croydon and Rhyl.

Editor's Blog: Greetings from Broadway!

Schoenfeld Theatre, home of Bridges

Greetings from Broadway! 

I've been in NYC for four days now and I'm nearly half way through my busy theatre schedule! The best thing I've seen so far is The Bridges Of Madison County which is one of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but quickly fell in love with Jason Robert Brown's stunning score, the beautiful staging and tremendous cast.

Aladdin was good, although I'm not sure whether it lives up to its hype - it's very predictable and takes few risks. However, the magic carpet was breathtaking and the Genie's big number 'Friend Like Me' was insanely brilliant, with both moments concluding with mid-show standing ovations. Pippin was spectacular and thought provoking while Newsies features some of the best choreography I've ever seen on stage.

Review: Blood Brothers (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Blood Brothers (UK Tour)

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 14th September 2013

Some say that Bill Kenwright's musical which ran in the West End for almost twenty-five years is dated, but I say that Blood Brothers is a vintage piece of theatre. It is certainly one of the best shows ever written and one that every single person should see in their lifetime.

'There's something for everyone' is a phrase which personally I feel can be a little over used, but Blood Brothers really does have something for everyone. Despite not being a big spectacle, the show features show stopping musical numbers, the most hilarious moments which leave the audience howling with laughter as well as a shattering, soul destroying finale which leaves many in a whimpering mess. The journey that Willy Russell's musical takes you on is like nothing else I have ever experienced, it really is quite extraordinary. You live every moment of Mickey and Eddie's lives from their first to their last breath, it is rather exhausting.

Blood Brothers UK Tour comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre next month

Following its West End closure last year, Blood Brothers continues to tour the UK and will visit the New Wimbledon Theatre for one week only between Monday 14th and Saturday 19th October 2013.

The tour currently stars Maureen Nolan as Mrs Johnstone, she previously played the role in the West End. She is joined by Warwick Evans as The Narrator. 

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. 

Feature: Blood Brothers - The Final Performance

Last weekend, London’s third longest-running musical, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, closed after 10,000 performances and 24 years in the West End.

Blood Brothers’ journey started as a school play, performed by a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981. The musical opened at The Liverpool Playhouse in 1983 and transferred to London’s Lyric theatre for a short run. It was then taken on by producer Bill Kenwright who opened a new production at the Albery Theatre after a two year tour to great acclaim, transferring it to the larger Phoenix Theatre Three years later. The production also enjoyed success on Broadway and across America.

Familiar faces join Blood Brothers for final two weeks

Blood Brothers rose from the ashes to secure its place in the West End history books, courtesy of The Phoenix Theatre. But having enjoyed 24 years as one of the West End’s best loved and longest running musicals, the ‘story of the Johnstone Twins’ is set to say farewell.

From today, Monday 29th October, Blood Brothers legends Lyn Paul, Warwick Evans, Mark Hutchinson, Jan Graveson and Sean Jones will rejoin the company for the final two weeks at The Phoenix Theatre, which will end its current London run on Saturday 10th November.

Blood Brothers’ journey started as a school play, performed by a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981. The musical opened at The Liverpool Playhouse in 1983 and transferred to London’s Lyric theatre for a short run. It was then taken on by producer Bill Kenwright who opened a new production at the Albery Theatre after a two year tour to great acclaim, transferring it to the larger Phoenix Theatre Three years later. The production also enjoyed success on Broadway and across America.

Midnight Tango to open at The Phoenix Theatre February 2013

Following a sold-out West End run and national tour earlier this year, Olivier Award-nominated Midnight Tango starring Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace will be returning to London’s West End, opening at The Phoenix Theatre on Monday 4 February, following previews from 30 January 2013, for a strictly limited five-week season, immediately followed by a national tour.

The UK tour will begin at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne on 13 March 2013 and will run until 3 August 2013 at the Grand Theatre, Leeds.

Midnight Tango is set in a late-night bar in downtown Buenos Aires. Vincent and Flavia both star in and have choreographed the show, which brings to life all the drama, sensuality and elegance of the tango. They are joined on stage by some of the finest tango dancers in the world, and, between them, they take the audience on a journey into the heart of this intoxicating city, as danger and excitement, joy and jealousy, pain and passion combine into a spectacular and explosive evening.

Broadway hit 'Once' found West End home?

Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Once has become the latest show to be rumoured to be going into The Phoenix Theatre after Blood Brothers closes in November. According to the Daily Mail Once is set to begin performances in March 2013. It was previously reported that Starlight Express would move into the theatre after its current UK tour ends early next year.

Goodnight Mr Tom comes to the West End for a 9 week season from 22 November – 26 January

The acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre production Goodnight Mr Tom comes to the West End for a 9 week season from 22 November – 26 January before embarking on a 9 week UK Tour with Oliver Ford Davies reprising his role as Mister Tom. This marks the first new production in the Phoenix Theatre for over 20 years after Blood Brothers recently announced it's closure.

The tour will begin on 28 January 2013 at Manchester Opera House. The production will then tour to Sunderland Empire, Milton Keynes Theatre, Brighton Theatre Royal, York Grand Opera House, Woking New Victoria Theatre, Southend Palace Theatre, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Glasgow King’s Theatre and Birmingham Alexandra. You can find all the tour information at the end of this article.

Set during the dark and dangerous build up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London.

Review: Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre - see it while you can!

Blood Brothers
Phoenix Theatre
Performance Reviewed: Saturday 12th August 2012 (evening)

Like most people I was left in shock last week when it was announced Blood Brothers would be closing after nearly 24 years in the West End. Without hesitation I immediately booked tickets to see this tremendous musical one last time...

What I love most about Blood Brothers is the gripping storyline. One minute you are crying with laughter and then next you are crying with sadness. I can't name a human emotion that isn't explored in this incredible show.

Interview: Vivienne Carlyle, currently starring as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers

Vivienne Carlyle is currently starring in the West End production of Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre playing the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone. Her other theatre credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Mrs Lyons in Blood Brothers. We talk to Vivienne about playing Mrs Johnstone, how she keeps her performance fresh and what other roles she hopes to play in the future.

Hi Vivienne, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed!
Hi there! Thank you so much for the interview.

Are you enjoying your time in Blood Brothers playing Mrs Johnstone?

Yes I absolutely love it and I feel so lucky and honoured to play her. Mrs Johnstone was my dream role and to play her in the West End really is a dream come true - Thank you Mr Kenwright! I think there are very few parts for Women, particularly in Musical Theatre that are so well written which also have such magnificent ballads. Since we've been told the show is closing on October 27th I am desperately trying to savour each moment, I will miss playing her.