BLOOD BROTHERS Returns to Hippodrome

Few musicals have captured the hearts and minds of audiences quite like the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Returning to Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 22 Oct, the smash-hit musical will see actress and singer Lyn Paul reprise her iconic role as Mrs Johnstone, a part she first took on in 1996/1997, having first shot to fame as a member of The New Seekers in the 1970s.

The first production of Blood Brothers to be performed at Birmingham Hippodrome opened on 7 Aug 1995 starring Helen Reddy as Mrs Johnstone. The production was also the first version of the show to be performed outside of the West End. Alongside Lyn Paul, other famous faces to take up the role of Mrs Johnstone across the years include Petula Clark, Kiki Dee, Carole King and - most recently - former Spice Girl Melanie C - who also holds the accolade of being the first genuine 'scouser' to play the part.

The current production of Blood Brothers, starring Lyn Paul, is its tenth visit to Birmingham Hippodrome over its 30 year history.

To celebrate this landmark visit, cast members Lyn Paul (Mrs Johnstone), Sean Jones (Mickey Johnstone) and Joel Benedict (Eddie Lyons) gathered at the theatre for a celebratory photo call held on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage on Tues 11th October.

Affectionately christened "the standing ovation musical" by The Daily Mail, what began life as a secondary school play has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon and remains, to this day, one of only three musicals to surpass the milestone of 10,000 performances in London's West End.

Written by Liverpool playwright, composer and director Willy Russell, 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.

Blood Brothers famously ran for 24 years in London, making it the 5th longest-running show ever to appear on the West End behind The Mousetrap, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and The Woman in Black.

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