Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers runs at the Princess Theatre from 6 to 10 April 2027, Willy Russell's musical brought to Torquay for a five-day stint. It's one of the UK's most enduring shows, having passed 10,000 performances on London's West End over about 24 years.

Set in Russell's native Liverpool, it follows Mrs Johnstone, a young mother deserted by her husband and left to provide for seven hungry children. She takes a job as a housekeeper and discovers she's pregnant with twins; a secret pact with her wealthy employer splits them up, one raised in the Johnstone home and the other in the house of the employer, until chance brings them back together as adults. The score includes 'Tell Me It's Not True', 'Marilyn Monroe' and 'A Bright New Day', and the show has earned an average of 4.8 stars from audiences. The New York Times described it as a musical unlike any other, with audiences standing and cheering every night. It's recommended for ages 12 and over.

Vivienne Carlyle plays Mrs Johnstone, with Kristofer Harding and Richard Munday as Narrators. Sean Jones is Mickey, Joe Sleight is Eddie, and Tricia Adele Turner plays Mrs Lyons. Beth Danher is Linda, Jamil Abbasi is the Neighbour, and Sarah Moss takes on the double role of Donna Marie and Miss Jones. Amelia Poggenpoel is Brenda, Jack Anthony Smart is Perkins, and Tim Churchill is Mr Lyons. Michael Gillette plays Sammy, Alex Harland doubles as Policeman and Teacher, and Graeme Kinniburgh is the 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.

Tickets start from £15, and the show runs from 6 to 10 April at the Princess Theatre.