Following its extended season in Sydney earlier this years, Enda Markey will present his critically acclaimed production of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers at Melbourne’s brand new theatre, The Alex for a strictly limited season from 14 July 2015.
Blood Brothers is the hilarious, provocative and heartbreaking musical that tells the unforgettable story of the Johnstone twins. Separated at birth when their mother cannot afford to keep them both, Mickey and Edward grow up streets apart, becoming best friends but never knowing the truth of their heritage. The prophecy that twins who are separated at birth will die on the day they find out their heritage brings this stunningly crafted musical to its shattering but inevitable conclusion.
As Mrs Johnstone – one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre – Helen Dallimore will lead an acclaimed ensemble cast, including Bobby Fox as Mickey, Josh Piterman as Edward and Michael Cormick as Narrator, in one of the most popular musicals of all time.
With a book, music and lyrics by Willy Russell (Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine), the London production of Blood Brothers ran for more than 24 years, winning every British ‘Best Musical’ award along the way. It is one of only three musicals in history to play for more than 10,000 performances – the other two being Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.
Enda Markey produced the 2011 Australian tour of Side By Side By Sondheim starring (at various times) Rachael Beck, Geraldine Turner, Michael Falzon, Lucy Maunder and Jessica Rowe. In 2012, He presented a gala concert of the show featuring more than twenty-five of Australia’s leading theatre and television personalities, headlined by West End and Broadway superstar Ruthie Henshall. Since 2013, he presented the international tour of Boublil & Schönberg’s Do You Hear The People Sing? starring Michael Ball and Lea Salonga which has played to enormous acclaim in Shanghai, Manila and Taipei with numerous other productions (including Australia) in development.
Director: Andrew Pole Cast: Helen Dallimore, Bobby Fox, Josh Piterman and Michael Cormick, Matt Edwards, Erin James, Jamie Kristian, Bronwyn Mulcahy, Christy Sullivan Musical Supervisor: Michael Tyack Musical Director: Kellie Dickerson Set & Costume Designer: Anna Gardiner Lighting Designer: Christopher Page
Blood Brothers
Alex Theatre, 135 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Season: 14 July – 2 August 2015
Bookings: 13 28 49 or online at: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bloodbrothersthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Helen Dallimore (centre) leads an all-star cast in Blood Brothers – photo by Kurt Sneddon