SeatPlan Logo
Blood Brothers hero image
Blood Brothers hero image
Blood Brothers hero image
    "...the show belongs among the greats of British musical theatre."
    The Daily Telegraph
    ""Russell's musical has lost none of its dry-as-a-bone scouse wit, nor its terrible power to move..."
    The Independent

Blood Brothers Tickets

Phoenix Theatre

Enjoying an extensive West End run for over twenty years, Willy Russell’s musical tragedy Blood Brothers is a national treasure. Opening at the Phoenix Theatre London, Blood Brothers tells the tale of two twins separated at birth.

Receiving a London debut in 1983, Willy Russell’s beloved musical is one of the longest running West End shows in theatre history, enjoying huge critical acclaim at the Phoenix Theatre.

Blood Brothers tells the tale of the down-on-her-luck Mrs Johnstone who is struggling for money so much that she agrees to give one of her twin babies away to her rich employers, the Lyons family. Naming the brothers Mikey and Eddie, Mrs Johnstone reluctantly keeps her promise but is later dismissed from the Lyons household. Despite being raised in separate lives, Eddie and Mickey are reunited once again eight years later. What will this twist of fate mean for the Johnstone and the Lyons families and more importantly, will Eddie and Mickey find out their true identity?

Performed in a Brechtian style, Blood Brothers includes a narrator who lurks around the stage with a foreboding air, reporting the narrative through menacing song. Many famous actors have played this role, including Marti Pellow and Anthony Costa. Recent casting includes Philip Stewart as the Narrator, with Vivienne Carlyle as Mrs Johnstone. Further cast members include Mark Rice Oxley as Mickey and Paul Christopher as Eddie.

With the book, music and lyrics all by Russell, Blood Brothers is directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson. The scenic design for the show is by Andy Walmsley, with lighting by Nick Richings. Blood Brothers holds three Olivier Awards, including the 1983 award for Best New Musical, with many critics praising Russell’s score. Award-winning songs include ‘Marilyn Monroe’, ‘Bright New Day’, ‘The Devil’s Got Your Number’, and the heart-wrenching ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’.

Sorry this show closed 27 October 2012, we recommend these similar productions.

The Phantom of the Opera
Hamilton
ABBA Voyage
Performance dates:
21 Nov 1991 - 27 Oct 2012
Running time:
2 hours and 45 minutes.
Age recommendation:
TBC
Audience Notes:
Blood Brothers contains moderate adult language and scenes of a violent nature, therefore it is not suitable for young children. Accompanied youths aged 12 and up are welcome to see the show.

Latest Audience Reviews

Cried the whole way through! Niki Colwell Evans – Mrs Johnstone has the perfect voice for this ro... More

Brilliant! Wasn’t sure if my 14 year old daughter would enjoy it but even she has put it as one o... More

This show was phenomenal, so moving and an all round perfect story. I would defo recommend this t... More

Set in Liverpool between the ‘50s and 70s, this is a tale of twins Mickey and Eddie separated at... More

opening night in liverpool… doesn’t get better than that. it was different to other performances,... More

I've been seeing this show since I was a teenager and it always impresses me. Brilliant cast who... More

Your basket is empty.