BLOOD BROTHERS Returning to Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

BLOOD Brothers returns to The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, nearly 30 years after it premiered there.

In 1987, producer Bill Kenwright approached the venue asking if he could stage a new musical, written by Willy Russell. The rest, as they, is history.

This time round, Marti Pellow and Maureen Nolan star. Following a successful spring season of sell-out shows, Marti extends his role as Narrator, with Maureen reprising her role as Mrs Johnstone.

Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, this epic tale of Liverpool life ran in London's West End for 24 years and exceeded 10,000 performances. It is one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally-charged hit Tell Me It's Not True.

Marti is one of music's most respected artists. For more than 30 years he has enjoyed global success: as the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, as a solo artist, and as one of the UK's most acclaimed leading men of musical theatre. Starring roles include Evita, Blood Brothers, The Witches of Eastwick, Chess, Jekyll And Hyde and Chicago. As a solo singer, recording artist and with Wet Wet Wet, Marti has enjoyed virtually unrivalled chart success, with more than 25 hits and three of the UK's biggest number one singles, including the seminal Love Is All Around. In 2013, after 20 years apart, Wet Wet Wet reunited for a sell-out arena tour. That same year, Marti released Hope, his eighth solo album, and this year he released Boulevard Of Life, which saw him return to his roots as a singer-songwriter and collaborate with some of his closest friends in the industry, including Chris Difford from Squeeze, for an album of soul, country and pop.

Maureen has been singing with her sisters since she was nine years old. Together they became one of Europe's first girl bands - The Nolans. The Nolans' success is legendary, including phenomenal record sales worldwide, particularly in Japan where they sold more records than The Beatles! Maureen has played Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers in the West End and on tour to critical acclaim. She was the fourth Nolan sister to play the role, earning them entry in to the Guinness Book of Records.

Willy Russell is one of this country's leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.

Blood Brothers is at The Marlowe Theatre from Monday 14 to Saturday 26 September (7.30pm, plus 2.30pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays). Tickets, priced from £16 to £37.50 (discounts apply; booking fees apply) are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or at marlowetheatre.com. The show will be signed, captioned and audio described.

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