blood brothers spring 2026

The iconic musical Blood Brothers has revealed its full casting lineup for the Spring 2026 UK tour. Vivienne Carlyle will continue in the role of Mrs Johnstone, following her critically acclaimed performances that earned standing ovations during recent tours.

Standing ovation darling Vivienne Carlyle returns as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers’ highly anticipated Spring 2026 UK tour.

Sean Jones and Joe Sleight are set to return as the twin brothers Mickey and Eddie, while Gemma Brodrick will reprise her role as Linda.

Laura Harrison joins the company as Mrs Lyons, bringing impressive West End credentials including alternating as Elphaba in Wicked and covering Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Harrison previously appeared in the 2015 tour as Donna Marie, making this a welcome return to the Blood Brothers family.

The role of the Narrator will be shared between Richard Munday and Kristofer Harding across different venues. Munday is scheduled to appear at specific locations including Bromley, Crewe, Coventry, Guildford, Brighton, Bournemouth, and High Wycombe. The Spring 2026 tour will open at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on January 14 before traveling to other venues.

The supporting cast includes Michael Gillett as Sammy, Tim Churchill as Mr Lyons, and Francesca Benton-Stace in the dual role of Donna Marie/Miss Jones.

Latesha Karisa returns as Brenda, while Danny Knott, Dominic Gore, Alex Harland, and Graeme Kinniburgh round out the ensemble playing multiple characters.

For the Irish dates at Millenium Forum in Derry and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, Rebecca Storm will take on the role of Mrs Johnstone in a special limited engagement designed to boost regional ticket sales.

The production continues under the direction of Bob Tomson, with the late Bill Kenwright credited as original producer and director.

Tim Churchill serves as resident director alongside musical supervisor Matt Malone and sound designer Dan Samson. Andy Walmsley handles set and costume design, with Nick Richings responsible for lighting design. The production features beloved musical numbers including A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe, and Tell Me It’s Not True.

Bill Kenwright Limited remains the producing company behind this latest tour of Willy Russell’s enduring musical about class division and separated twins who meet with tragic consequences. The musical has achieved remarkable longevity with 10,000 performances in London’s West End, cementing its status as one of Britain’s most beloved theatrical productions.

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