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Multi award-winning production of Blood Brothers comes to Chelmsford

Blood Brothers

Bill Kenwright’s multi-award-winning musical, Blood Brothers, is coming to Chelmsford this August. Chelmsford Theatre is the latest stage to host the high-profile show this summer as part of the production’s UK tour.

Seen by millions around the world, Blood Brothers is set to run from 15-19 August 2023 in the newly refurbished Chelmsford Theatre. An early ticket sale will begin at 10am tomorrow – Friday 17 March – for Chelmsford Theatre members and the general sale will begin at 10am on Monday 20 March.

The Blood Brothers story

Blood Brothers tells the heart-breaking story of Mickey and Edward. Twins separated at birth, they are brought together again through an unlikely friendship. The two brothers are forever intertwined and must navigate social divisions and an unexpected love triangle that leads to fateful consequences.

Chelmsford residents will have the opportunity to see one of the greatest British musicals on home turf for the very first time. Die-hard theatre goers may have already seen the production when it ran in London’s West End.

Blood Brothers opened at the Lyric Theatre in 1983 and became the third longest-running musical production in West End history by the time of its closure in 2012. After more than 10,000 performances, the show said goodbye to its last permanent home of the Phoenix Theatre. It has since embarked on numerous tours across the country. Chelmsford Theatre will be the latest venue to host the prestigious show.

Blood Brothers. Credit Jack Merriman
Cast of Blood Brothers on UK Tour – the cast for the Chelmsford production is still to be announced (Photo Credit Jack Merriman)

A great opportunity for Chelmsford Theatre

Presented by Bill Kenwright, the production features a superb cast of new and established talent. The outstanding score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Award-winning playwright Willy Russell composed the score as well as wrote the book and lyrics for Blood Brothers. He won the Olivier Award for Best Musical for his work on Blood Brothers, as well as Best New Play awards for Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. His screenplays for the film adaptations of Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita each earned him Academy Award nominations.

Blood Brothers. Credit Jack Merriman 1
Sean Jones and Jay Worley on the Blood Brothers UK Tour – The cast for the Chelmsford production is to be announced (Photo Credit Jack Merriman)

Theatre Director Lee Henderson is proud to bring Blood Brothers to Chelmsford for the first time:

“This is an enormous opportunity for Chelmsford Theatre. It can be a challenge to host weekly professional touring musicals for many reasons so bringing Blood Brothers to Chelmsford is a very big deal. I’m thrilled our local community are having the opportunity to see this great show without having to travel far. Blood Brothers is a West End classic and I’m so proud we’re able to add Chelmsford to its new UK tour. It will be an amazing week for Chelmsford Theatre, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

Lee Henderson, Chelmsford Theatre Director

Councillor Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford, says Blood Brothers is just the start of the council’s programming ambition:

“Hosting a renowned musical such as Blood Brothers proves the possibilities for Chelmsford Theatre are great. Refurbishing the theatre has given it a new lease of life and this is now being reflected in the shows we’re able to bring to Chelmsford. In previous years, the theatre has closed during the month of August but this year, our doors are most definitely wide open, and I’m sure many people will be taking advantage of the opportunity to watch an established and long-running show so close to home.”

Councillor Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford

Booking tickets

Don’t miss the opportunity to watch Blood Brothers on stage at Chelmsford Theatre this summer. The general sale opens on Monday 20 March 2023 at 10am. Chelmsford Theatre members can access an early sale from Friday 17 March at 10am. Sign up to the membership scheme to gain priority access. Tickets will be on sale at www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk.

Blood Brothers. Credit Jack Merriman 2
The cast of Blood Brothers on the UK Tour – the cast for the Chelmsford production is TBA. (Photo Credit Jack Merriman)
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Charlotte Maltby
Charlotte Maltby

Charlotte writes about the environment, parks, recycling, business, planning, public realm and democratic services.