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.

Blood Brothers to close after nearly 24 years in the West End

London’s third longest-running musical, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, has posted closing notices after 10,000 performances and nearly 24 years in the West End.

The Bill Kenwright production is due to give its final performance at the Phoenix Theatre on 27 October 2012. And, despite earlier rumours that it may move directly into the Playhouse Theatre, where another Kenwright production, Dreamboats and Petticoats closed last week, there are no immediate plans to transfer to another venue.