News

Long-running musical Blood Brothers has announced a cast change for the end of the year, with two former show members set to return. From 22 November 2010, Maureen Nolan will return to the lead role of Mrs Johnstone, taking over from another returning star, Lyn Paul.

All four Nolan sisters have played the role at various times, with Maureen first taking to the stage at the Phoenix Theatre between 2005 and 2006, and then joining the nationwide tour in 2009. Former 'New Seeker' Lyn Paul first played Mrs Johnstone in 1997 and has also performed the role on a UK tour.

Show Granted a Massive 12 Month Extension

The cast change completes an exciting 2010 for the hit musical written by northern playwright Willy Russell. The show was granted a massive 12 month extension until November 2011 and saw several star names, including Spice Girl Melanie C and X-Factor performer Niki Evans, pull in great audiences at the London box office. 

Award Nominations Continue After 20+ Years

Originally written as a school play by Liverpudlian wordsmith Russell in the early 1980s, Blood Brothers was soon rewritten into the gritty musical we know and love and gained a large cult following after being revived in London in 1988.

The story of the twin brothers separated at birth and growing up on either side of a class divide, before being reunited with tragic consequences, has run for a remarkable 19 years at the Phoenix Theatre.

Blood Brothers received yet another Olivier Award nomination in 2010, with Melanie C nominated as Best Actress in a Musical on her West End debut.

Lyn Paul will play the role of Mrs Johnstone from 25 October to 20 November 2010. Maureen Nolan will take the role from 22 November 2010. 

Stephen Palfreman stars as Mickey and Simon Willmont as Eddie.