It is three decades since the smash-hit international musical Blood Brothers first toured the UK.
And its popularity shows no signs of reducing as its latest tour is already proving to be one of this autumn’s hottest tickets at Norwich Theatre Royal.
The epic tale of Liverpool life penned by award-winning playwright Willy Russell started its life on stage at a Merseyside comprehensive school before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. It went on to be a huge touring success, ran in London’s West End for 24 years totalling more than 10,000 performances, and also enjoyed sold-out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.
Now it is set to return to Norwich on September 19-23 with Lyn Paul reprising the role of Mrs Johnstone that she first played back in 1997. She rose to fame in the early 1970s as a member of The New Seekers and was lead vocalist on a number of their biggest hits including Beg, Steal Or Borrow, and You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me. Lyn is also no stranger to the musical theatre world with roles in the likes of Cabaret, Boy George’s musical Taboo, and Footloose, as well as Blood Brothers.
She will star opposite musical theatre stalwart and Norwich Theatre Royal favourite Dean Chisnall who plays the Narrator. He won over the city’s heart when he played the lead role of Shrek when the musical visited Norwich in summer 2015. A hugely experienced performer, Dean has also starred in the likes of Love Never Dies, Never Forget, Evita and The Woman In White. Sean Jones will also reprise the role of Mickey which is a role he has played in the West End and on tour.
Blood Brothers tells the story of young mother Mrs Johnstone whose husband leaves her and she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to provide for her seven hungry children.
When she finds herself pregnant with twins, she enters into a secret pact with her employer which leads to tragic consequences.
John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said:
[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]Blood Brothers visits Norwich Theatre Royal between Tuesday 19-Saturday 23 September at 7.30pm, and Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.“Blood Brothers enjoys a strong following thanks to its captivating but poignant story. Add in a sensational cast with the incredibly experienced Lyn Paul and the strong on-stage presence of Dean Chisnall plus some incredible show-stopping songs and remarkable staging, and enthralling entertainment is guaranteed.
Tickets are selling fast for this production. Book now so you don’t miss out on this compelling theatrical experience.”
Tickets £8-£38 with Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s, Schools and Groups.
To book, call the box office on 01603 630000 or log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.[/box]
