West End classic Blood Brothers arrives in Chelmsford
After months of anticipation Bill Kenwright’s multi-award-winning musical, Blood Brothers, has arrived at Chelmsford Theatre. The five-night run in Chelmsford kicked off last night (15 August) with a full auditorium. The opening night featured incredible performances from the cast and ended with a full standing ovation from the audience.
An emotional tale that has moved audiences for 42 years
Blood Brothers is one of the most successful productions in West End history. Affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, it reached the rare milestone of 10,000 performances in London’s West End – one of only three musicals to ever achieve this.
It follows the moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, meet again as teenagers with fateful consequences. The story evokes strong emotions in audiences, who often return to see the famed musical again and again.
Blood Brothers has won multiple awards in its 42-year history, including several Laurence Olivier Awards and Tony Awards. Since ending its permanent run at the Lyric Theatre in London in 2012, it has toured the UK and presented successful seasons overseas.
This touring production brings a talented cast, including seasoned theatre actors Niki Colwell Evans and Sean Jones playing Mrs Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone respectively.
Bringing world-class shows to Chelmsford
The arrival of Blood Brothers follows the successful showing of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at Chelmsford Theatre in July 2023. It’s all part of the theatre’s ambitious programming plans after the refurbishment of its front-of-house spaces earlier this year.
Councillor Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council and Cabinet Member for a Connected Chelmsford is pleased to see world-famous shows visiting Chelmsford:
““I’m so pleased that, following its refurbishment, Chelmsford Theatre is attracting world-famous shows to its stage this year. It’s wonderful that so many local people will be able to enjoy the exceptional Blood Brothers in Chelmsford this week.
Councillor Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council and Cabinet Member for a Connected Chelmsford
"I want our city to nurture its arts venues, so local people can experience high-quality cultural shows and events here rather than having to travel all the way to London or elsewhere. That’s why we’re focused on improving Chelmsford Theatre’s programming over the coming years and seeing the venue reach its full potential.”
Lee Henderson says the emotionally charged show had the entire audience hooked during its opening night at Chelmsford Theatre:
““It was truly brilliant to see one of the world’s best-loved musicals at our very own Chelmsford Theatre last night. The atmosphere on stage and in the audience was electric and I can’t wait to see more audiences enjoy the show this week.
Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre
"If you love major classics like Blood Brothers and The Mousetrap, but didn’t manage to bag tickets this time around, well watch this space! We’ll be exploring further opportunities to bring even more nationally renowned shows to Chelmsford Theatre in the coming years.”
Find out what else is coming to Chelmsford Theatre
Blood Brothers runs at Chelmsford Theatre until Saturday 19 August, with all performances now sold out.
An exciting programme of events is yet to come at Chelmsford Theatre. Tickets are selling fast for Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0 and Stewart Lee: Basic Lee, so book your seats before they sell out!
Other recently announced shows include “extremely funny comic” (Guardian) Angela Barnes and award-winning parody musical Stranger Sings. Find out what else is on in 2023 and 2024 on the Chelmsford Theatre website.
Cherelle writes about Chelmsford Theatre, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford Museum, the Mayor of Chelmsford and culture and events in the city.