20 February 2019
Newsdesk
Bill Kenwright’s ‘Dazzling’ (Sunday Telegraph) production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers continues its 2019 Spring tour welcoming three new cast members Alexander Patmore, Joel Benedict and Paula Tappenden into the roles of Mickey, Eddie and Mrs Lyons respectively. They will join actress Linzi Hateley who leads the cast in the seminal role of Mrs Johnstone at Bournemouth Pavilion on 26 February 2019.
Considered ‘One of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Blood Brothers, written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no fewer than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply ‘Unmissable and unbeatable’ (The Spectator).
Having recently played Bobby Willis in Cilla The Musical (UK Tour), Alexander Patmore makes his debut as Mickey Johnstone. Joel Benedict and Paula Tappenden return to the roles of Eddie Lyons and Mrs Lyons respectively. Paula has had a long association with the production, having performed in both the West End and touring companies.
The rest of the cast for Blood Brothers includes Linzi Hateley, Robbie Scotcher, Danielle Corlass, Tim Churchill, Graham Martin, Amy Jane Ollies, Alison Crawford, Graeme Kinniburgh, Andy Owens and Josh Capper.
This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981 before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse 35 years ago in 1983, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. Blood Brothers also ran in London’s West End for 24 years, exceeding 10,000 performances, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.
Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
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.
A sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performances make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.
Willy Russell is undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.
Bill Kenwright presents
BLOOD BROTHERS
By Willy Russell
Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright
Designed by Andy Walmsley Sound Designed By Dan Samson
Musical Direction by Tim Whiting Lighting Designed by Nick Richings
BLOOD BROTHERS – REMAINING SPRING 2019 TOUR DATES
Tuesday 26 February – Saturday 2 March Box Office: 0844 576 3000
Bournemouth Pavilion Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.u
Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 March Box Office: 01642 552663
Forum Theatre, Billingham Website: www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 March Box Office: 00 353 (0) 64 66 7155
INEC, Killarney Website: www.inec.ie
Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 March Box Office: 00 353 (0) 94 90 2311
Royal Theatre, Castlebar Website: www.royaltheatrecastlebar.ie
Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 April Box Office: 0844 871 3023
Princess Theatre, Torquay Website: www.atgtickets.com/torquay
Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 April Box Office: 0843 208 6000
The Lowry, Salford Website: www.thelowry.com
Monday 15 – Saturday 20 April Box Office: 01492 872000
Venue Cymru, Llandudno Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk
Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 April Box Office: 0844 856 1111
Blackpool Opera House Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Tuesday 30 – Saturday 4 April Box Office: 02392 828 282
Kings Theatre, Southsea Website: www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Tuesday 7 – Saturday 18 May Box Office: 0844 848 2700
Leeds Grand Theatre Website: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com
