The award-winning staging of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers visits the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 April. X Factor finalist and West End star Niki Colwell Evans will play Mrs Johnstone, alongside Sean Jones as Mickey Johnstone, both reprising the iconic roles they have made their own to critical acclaim. Scott Anson, who can currently be seen on television in Coronation Street, returns as the Narrator after first starring in the musical twenty years ago.
Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twins separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to be reunited by a twist of fate with tragic consequences. The much-loved score includes the songs 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.
Niki Colwell Evans returns to Bath’s stage in the role of Mrs Johnstone, after last appearing in 2022. Niki rose to fame in 2007 when she reached the semi-final of The X Factor UK, mentored by Louis Walsh. She released her debut solo single Love Me No More in 2008, before playing the lead role in Blood Brothers in the West End in 2008, 2009 and 2010, receiving rave reviews from critics. Niki has also toured the UK as Trish in Kinky Boots and Paulette in Legally Blonde. She has starred in pantomime, toured as a solo singer with Sonia, Lonnie Gordon, Big Fun and Yell, and performed at The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle.
Sean Jones returns to the role of Mickey Johnstone in Blood Brothers, having previously performed at the Theatre Royal Bath in the musical in 2005, 2013, 2018 and 2022. He first starred in Blood Brothers in the West End in 1999. His other stage credits include Macbeth on UK Tour and in Singapore; Jacqueline Wilson’s world premiere of Wave Me Goodbye at Theatr Clwyd, and numerous pantomimes nationwide. His television credits include Emmerdale, The Royal Today and Hollyoaks.
Scott Anson returns to Blood Brothers to play the role of the Narrator, having previously starred in the show two decades ago on tour. Scott can currently be seen on Coronation Street as Reece Bolton. His television credits also include The Bill, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Last Chance Harvey and Days of the Sirens. His West End theatre credits include Canterbury Tales and Miss Saigon. He has also toured the UK in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Full Monty, including a visit to the Theatre Royal Bath in 2014.
Gemma Brodrick reprises the role of Linda, Joe Sleight plays Eddie, Timothy Lucas appears as Sammy and Sarah Jane Buckley - who recently starred as Fairy Snowfall in the Theatre Royal’s 2023 pantomime Sleeping Beauty – plays Mrs Lyons.
The cast is completed by Tim Churchill as Mr Lyons, Graeme Kinniburgh as Postman and Bus Conductor, Chloe Pole as Donna Marie and Miss Jones, Jess Smith as Brenda, Danny Knott as Perkins, Josh Capper as Neighbour and Alex Harland as Policeman and Teacher.
Few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers, scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and receiving seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, it is considered 'one of the best musicals ever written' (Sunday Times).
This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd, the musical went on to surpass 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. The production has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell-out seasons in America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.
Award-winning playwright Willy Russell is one of the UK's leading contemporary dramatists. His many plays include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, which was originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a film 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. The celebrated one-woman play earned Russell his third Olivier Award and recently ran in the West End starring Sheridan Smith at the Duke of York’s Theatre.
Blood Brothers appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 April. To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk
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