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Blood Brothers

Phoenix Theatre

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Synopsis

Blood Brothers is a popular and compelling production that should have found a huge audience the moment that it first appeared in the West End. But the journey from the stage to the hearts of fans around the country would not be as simple as that, though it has not stopped it from becoming one of the most beloved musicals operating the capital. As it stands it has been on its current run since the late 1980s and, as a result, it is one of the longest running shows operating on the London theatre scene. So it must be doing something right.

The story comes from the pen of Will Russell, the same writer responsible for shows such as Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita and though it was first devised as a school play it would eventually make its way to the stage of the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. But from here on it would be a rocky road to West End success, first appearing in the capital shortly after its Liverpool premiere. Failing to find an audience it was set for closure and it seemed as though the West End had narrowly missed out on nurturing a new blockbuster musical.

Enter Bill Kenwright. The producer saw potential in the show and revived it for a UK before giving the West End another shot with a run at the Albery Theatre (which is now the Noel Coward Theatre). This time it was a huge success and it would remain the capital ever since, transferring to its current home of the Phoenix Theatre in 1991. As a result it has been seen by audiences all over the country and become a beloved classic.

The story follows two twin boys growing up unaware of their real links to one another and going on to carry out very different lives. The problem is traced back to the financial situation of Mrs Johnstone when she discovered she was pregnant with twins. Unable to face the prospect of raising two sons alone and on such a small income she hands one over to her employer Ms Lyons and this sets the plot in motion. One of the boys grows up in a wealthy household and enjoys an education at an Oxbridge University before landing a high-flying job; the other lives a life of crime and the dole. Eventually this leads to resentment and a shocking conclusion.

Blood Brothers remains at the Phoenix Theatre and looks set to continue there for the foreseeable future.