Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers is coming to the Congress Theatre from 23 to 27 February 2027. It's Willy Russell's musical about twins separated at birth, set in his native Liverpool against a backdrop of superstition and class difference. The story follows Mickey and Eddie, who are split up as babies when their mother, Mrs Johnstone—a young mother deserted by her husband and left to provide for seven hungry children—makes a desperate deal with her wealthy employer. It's described as a searing exploration of the gap between rich and poor and the age-old nature versus nurture debate.

It's one of the UK's best-known musicals, having run for over 10,000 performances on London's West End—about 24 years of shows—and is one of only five musicals ever to reach that milestone, which earned it the nickname 'the Standing Ovation Musical'. The score includes 'Tell Me It's Not True', 'Marilyn Monroe' and 'Bright New Day'.

Vivienne Carlyle takes the role of Mrs Johnstone, with Sean Jones as Mickey and Joe Sleight as Eddie. Tricia Adele Turner plays Mrs Lyons, Beth Danher is Linda, and Tim Churchill is Mr Lyons. Kristofer Harding and Richard Munday are the Narrators. The rest of the cast includes Jamil Abbasi as Neighbour, Sarah Moss as Donna Marie and Miss Jones, Amelia Poggenpoel as Brenda, Jack Anthony Smart as Perkins, Michael Gillette as Sammy, Alex Harland as Policeman and Teacher, and Graeme Kinniburgh as Bus Conductor and Postman. Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright direct, with musical direction by Scott Alder, sound design by Dan Samson, set and costume design by Andy Walmsley and lighting design by Nick Richings.

The show runs for two hours and 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 and over. It plays at the Congress Theatre from 23 to 27 February 2027.