Last chance to book Blood Brothers at Chelmsford Theatre as new cast announced

Local theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to book their seats for the upcoming Blood Brothers at Chelmsford Theatre. Bill Kenwright’s prestigious production comes to Chelmsford from 15–19 August 2023. With the latest casting now announced for the touring show, tickets are expected to sell out soon.

Willy Russell’s legendary musical presents an emotional story of twins separated at birth

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. 

Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), it presents the heart-breaking story of Mickey and Edward. Twins separated at birth, they are raised on opposite sides of the tracks but 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.

Willy Russell originally wrote Blood Brothers as a school play, which was performed at Liverpool Comprehensive School in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983.

Later that same year, the musical arrived in London’s West End at the Lyric Theatre. Its permanent run ended in 2012 after 10,000 performances – one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. The show has also seen triumphant sell-out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. In recent years it has travelled the UK, with Chelmsford Theatre due to host five nights of its 2023 tour this summer.

Brilliant cast to delight audiences this year

The cast was recently announced for the legendary show’s 2023 tour. It sees several actors continue their previous roles, with a host of new faces joining them.

Niki Colwell Evans will carry on playing the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, biological mother of Mickey and Edward. Having first risen to fame in 2007 in series four of The X Factor UK, Nikki went on to play Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers in 2008–2009 and in 2010. She’s also featured in touring productions of Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde. In 2016 she performed at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor castle.

Also continuing in this season’s cast is Sean Jones, who stays on as Mickey Johnstone. Sean has also performed in UK tours of Snow White and Macbeth, as well as Jacqueline Wilson’s world premiere of Wave Me Goodbye at Theatr Clwyd.

Completing the current cast is Joe Sleight (Edward), Gemma Brodrick (Linda), Danny Whitehead (Narrator) and Timothy Lucas (Sammy). They’re joined by Josh Capper (Neighbour), Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Lyons), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Jess Smith (Brenda), Tori Hargreaves (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Connor Bannister (Perkins), Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor), and Nick Wilkes (Teacher/Policeman).

A chance for residents to see the much-loved musical in Chelmsford

The show has been seen by millions around the world, with many returning to see it again and again. Now, Chelmsford residents have the chance to see the much-loved West End musical in their hometown for the very first time.

Tickets, which went on sale only a few months ago, have been selling fast.

Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, says the team is not at all surprised by the speed of ticket sales for this popular production:

“

“Blood Brothers is an absolute West End classic and the announcement of its first ever visit to Chelmsford has been very well received. Bringing the show to Chelmsford is a major opportunity and we were quietly confident that tickets would sell fast for this popular production. We are delighted this has proved to be case, with final seats now available – don’t miss out!”

Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre

Book your seats now on the Chelmsford Theatre website

Limited remaining tickets for Blood Brothers at Chelmsford Theatre are available to book at www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk. Tickets range from £27.50 – £47.00. A BSL interpreted and audio described performance takes place on Thursday 17 August at 2.30pm, bookable by calling the Box Office on 01245 606 505.