Blood Brothers is a popular musical that has been staged all over the world since it first premiered in Liverpool in 1983. The musical tells the story of Mickey and Edward, twins who were separated at birth and led very different lives. With themes of nature vs. nurture, class divides, and the bonds of brotherhood, Blood Brothers has resonated with audiences globally. This article will explore the touring and production history of Blood Brothers to see where it is currently being shown.
Original 1983 Production in Liverpool
Blood Brothers made its world premiere at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical was written by Willy Russell and directed by Bob Tomson. At the time, Russell was well-known for gritty urban dramas, but Blood Brothers marked his first foray into musical theatre. The show received positive reviews and soon transferred to the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End in the same year, where it ran for over 10 years. This original production helped launch Blood Brothers into a hit show that would tour extensively.
Cast and Characters in First Production
The original 1983 Liverpool production of Blood Brothers featured several cast members who would become strongly associated with the show:
- Warwick Evans as Mickey
- Robert Locke as Edward
- Barbara Dickson as Mrs Johnstone
- George Costigan as the Narrator
Mickey and Edward, the twins separated at birth, were double cast with David Cassidy and Carl Wayne playing the roles on alternative nights. This allowed the production to capitalize on Cassidy’s fame while still featuring acting talent. The casting emphasized how the nurture side of the twins’ upbringing impacted their destinies, as Mickey stayed working-class while Edward enjoyed a privileged life. Reviews praised Dickson’s emotional performance as the mother forced to give up one of her sons. The Narrator acted as a focal point guiding the audience through the musical’s epic structure spanning decades.
Unique Staging and Musical Style
The original production utilized a spare, abstract set with Cast Iron exterior staircases and bridges to transition between scenes. This set focused attention on the actors and narrative while allowing seamless scene changes. Musically, Blood Brothers employed a pop rock score contrasting with the liverpudlian accents of working-class characters like Mickey. The songs ranged from upbeat, syncopated rhythms in tracks like “Marilyn Monroe” to melancholy melodies for Mrs. Johnstone’s numbers like “Tell Me It’s Not True.” This unique clash of musical styles matched the contradictions in the story and class divides between characters.
West End Production and First UK Tours
After its Liverpool opening, Blood Brothers transferred to London’s West End, opening at the Lyric Theatre in October 1983. This production used most of the Liverpool cast and crew. Prominent new West End cast members included Kiki Dee as Mrs. Johnstone and Con O’Neill as Mickey. The musical was an instant commercial hit, running for over 10 years at the Lyric and cementing its place as a modern classic British musical. It became the third longest-running show in West End history at the time. Given this sustained success, Blood Brothers naturally launched its first UK tour in 1987 while the West End production continued.
Expansion to Two Acts
The original Liverpool production had been one continuous act. When the show moved to the West End, Willy Russell expanded it to two acts with an intermission. The two-act structure allowed for more dynamic pacing and elaboration of scenes between the few central characters. The first act focused on the twins’ childhoods and growing bonds, while the second showed their disastrous separation and decline as adults. This dramatized the passage of time and gravitas of the twins’ fateful reunion.
Ongoing Cast Replacements
As actresses periodically left the role of Mrs. Johnstone in the West End production, high-profile replacements were brought in, often from pop music backgrounds. Notable actresses to take on the role included Clodagh Rodgers, Lyn Paul, and Stephanie Lawrence. The parts of Mickey and Edward were also occasionally recast as the original actors moved on. But the recasting kept the musical fresh and intriguing for audiences during its decade-long West End run.
Broadway Production 1988-1991
Given Blood Brothers’ success in the UK, a Broadway production was the inevitable next step. Blood Brothers opened at Broadway’s Music Box Theatre in April 1988. It featured most of the principal cast from the UK tour performing the show in the US for the first time. Reviews were mainly positive, acknowledging the power of the musical’s tragedy but finding flaws in the campy, pop-infused style not resonating with all American critics. Regardless, Blood Brothers became a modest hit on Broadway. It ran for over 800 performances before closing in 1991. Though not reaching the sustained success of the West End, the Broadway run further elevated Blood Brothers’ international profile.
Petula Clark as US Mrs. Johnstone
While most of the Broadway cast came direct from the UK production, famed singer Petula Clark was cast as a big name draw for American audiences to play Mrs. Johnstone. Clark was an intriguing choice given her reputation as an upbeat pop star and musical film actress in contrast to the working-class character. But she earned strong reviews for her emotive acting in the role’s potent singing parts. Her renditions of “Easy Terms” and “Tell Me It’s Not True” were musical highlights.
Design Changes for US Tour
The Broadway production used the same abstract, exposed steel set as the UK version. When the show launched a US tour after Broadway, some design changes were made to tailor the show for an American audience. The set was adapted to have more realistic houses and billboards hinting at a more defined city location. Costumes also took on brighter, exaggerated colors more associated with American musical theater. While the show remained the same emotionally, these changes helped ease the transition between regional US theaters.
Ongoing UK and International Tours
While Blood Brothers concluded its Broadway run in 1991, the show maintained its popularity across the UK and Australia with professional tours through prominent theater companies. These productions allowed regional audiences to enjoy the musical and showcased new actors in the key roles. The 1993 UK tour, for example, starred Warwick Evans, who had originated the role of Mickey in 1983, now returning to play the Narrator. Stephanie Lawrence, famous for playing Mrs. Johnstone in the West End, also starred in Australian tours during the 1990s. Blood Brothers continued reaching new audiences down under.
10th Anniversary UK Tour
To celebrate the musical’s longevity, a special 10th anniversary UK tour launched in 1993. This production returned Blood Brothers to many of its original theater homes, like the Liverpool Playhouse. For the anniversary, Willy Russell revised the book to sharpen pacing and allow for a smaller cast size to save costs on the road. While the plot remained intact, trimmed narration and combined roles made the show more tour-friendly without losing emotional impact. The anniversary tour demonstrated that Blood Brothers could maintain its appeal even with a degree of reworking.
International Productions
Beyond the UK and US, Blood Brothers premiered in continental Europe and Australasia during the 1990s. The first foreign language production opened in Vienna in 1992, with many other European premiers following suit. Australia also emerged as an early adopter, with productions in Sydney and Melbourne helping the show gain a foothold down under. These international stagings proved Blood Brothers could connect with diverse cultures through its universal themes and score.
West End Revival 1996-1999
Proving its enduring popularity with English audiences, Blood Brothers returned home to the West End in 1996, five years after the original production closed. This revival took up residence at the Albery Theatre, running for over 1000 performances until 1999. Stephanie Lawrence starred once again as Mrs. Johnstone, having played the role in various tours. The revival used Robin Fraser’s new set designs and direction by Bill Kenwright. Reviews highlighted the resilience of Willy Russell’s tragedy and songs despite the intervening years.
Return to Original Lyric Theatre
In 1997, the Blood Brothers revival transferred back to the original home of the West End production, the Lyric Theatre. This return after 14 years demonstrated a sense of homecoming for the musical and connection to its roots. Long-time fans could relive their experiences at the Lyric. New audiences were also drawn to the show at its iconic, “rightful” home. The Lyric resurrection emphasized Blood Brothers as a contemporary classic.
Speculated Reasons for Continued Success
Analysts speculated on various factors driving the ongoing success of Blood Brothers upon its 1990s return:
- The musical’s themes of inequality and class divisions were still relevant in contemporary Britain
- Pop rock score and amusing narrator made it accessible to modern audiences
- ticket prices were affordable compared to higher-budget West End shows
- Visceral story and characters continued appealing to diverse ages
This enduring success boded well for future longevity as the new millennium approached.
2000s: UK Tours and International Growth
Entering the 21st century, Blood Brothers continued thriving through touring productions in the UK and increased international circulation. While the West End revival closed in 1999, professional tours by major British theater companies ensured the show stayed on the road. New international productions also expanded its reach, along with foreign language translations connecting with non-English audiences.
Increasing Tour Scope
Major tours of Blood Brothers during the early 2000s were produced by prolific companies like Bill Kenwright and David Ian. These toured larger UK theaters and arts centers than previous versions, demonstrating growing production scale and ambition. The tours starred household names like Marti Pellow, Warwick Evans, and Helen Hobson to attract audiences. Some tours even returned to the West End for limited runs, such as the 2005 production at the Playhouse Theatre.
Foreign Language Productions Increase
While the 1980s saw Blood Brothers’ first European productions outside the UK, the 2000s witnessed multiple new foreign language versions across the continent and beyond:
- German language premier in Zurich, 2004
- Spanish language run in Madrid, 2005
- Russian production in Moscow, 2009
- Czech version in Prague, 2012
- Korean premiere in Seoul, 2013
These help generate profits from new markets while expanding the show’s reach.
West End Returns and UK Touring Continue to Present
Blood Brothers continues to maintain a regular presence in major UK theaters into present day. West End revivals were staged at the Phoenix Theatre in 2012 and again at the Liverpool Empire in 2017. The latter version came full circle back to Liverpool where the musical originally premiered. Reviewers affirmed that the show still held strong emotional resonance for crowds. Meanwhile, tours by The Altered Hours Theatre Company and Bill Kenwright, among others, barnstorm theaters across the UK.
New Productions with Classic Appeal
Recent West End revivals and tours have utilized updated sets, costumes, and direction to refresh the musical visually. But its classic songs like “Marilyn Monroe,” “A Bright New Day,” and “Tell Me It’s Not True” retain their poignancy. New casts excel by emphasizing theatricality and vocal nuance. Blood Brothers continues attracting top British musical talent to its roles. But the emotional core endures despite modern trappings.
UK Tour Planned for 2022
A major UK tour by the Curve Theatre is planned for 2022 into 2023, showcasing Blood Brothers’ staying power. The tour will play houses across England, Scotland, and Wales. Stops include Manchester Opera House, New Wimbledon Theatre, and Edinburgh Playhouse. This ensures the musical will continue reaching wide British audiences outside London. Diehard fans can catch it again while new generations can discover its magic.
Current and Upcoming International Productions
In addition to ongoing tours at home, Blood Brothers maintains a thriving international presence. Recent professional productions in Germany, South Korea, Ireland, New Zealand, and more demonstrate enduring worldwide interest.
2022 International Productions
Country | City | Theater |
---|---|---|
Ireland | Dublin | Bord Gais Energy Theatre |
South Africa | Johannesburg | Teatro at Montecasino |
New Zealand | Auckland | ASB Waterfront Theatre |
Philippines | Manila | New Frontier Theater |
Canada | Toronto | Lower Ossington Theatre |
Upcoming Productions in 2023
Many notable productions of Blood Brothers are slated for 2023 and beyond across the Americas, Europe, and Asia:
- New Zealand tour visiting Christchurch and Wellington
- Buenos Aires, Argentina production at Teatro Astral
- Dutch language premiere at Theater Amsterdam
- United States tour kicking off in Los Angeles
- Australian tour starting in Perth
This global presence ensures Blood Brothers will continue reaching audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
For over 40 years, Blood Brothers has touched audiences around the world with its captivating tale of twins separated by fate. Since premiering in Liverpool in the 1980s, the musical has had phenomenal success across the UK, Broadway, and internationally through professional tours and productions. After 10 years in London’s West End, the show undertook prolific tours of the British Isles. Landmark productions in the United States, Australia, Europe and beyond have exposed new cultures to its themes. Recent West End revivals prove Blood Brothers still packs an emotional punch, while upcoming UK and global tours will let new generations experience its magic. Through its universal humanity and witty theatricality, this tragicomic musical looks set to resonate for decades to come.