Blood Brothers

Musical

Writers: Willy Russell

Overview

Show Information

Lyrics
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1983
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Liverpool, 1960s-1980s
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Musical Staging
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

Opening in 1960s Liverpool and moving forwards in time to the early 1980s, Blood Brothers revolves around twin boys Mickey and Edward. With seven older siblings, their mother, Mrs. Johnstone, cannot afford to keep both babies and she agrees to give one away to the wealthy Mrs. Lyons. Separated at birth, they are brought up in completely different environments within the city. When they are seven years old, Mickey and Edward meet each other for the first time and realize they share a birthday. They immediately become best friends and blood brothers, but are still unaware of their true relationship. They stay close as they grow up and the bond between them remains strong, despite both being in love with Mickey’s neighbor and friend, Linda. However, the differences in their backgrounds soon threatens their friendship and pulls them in different directions. Mrs. Johnstone is finally forced to reveal that Mickey and Edward are twins, ultimately leading to their tragic deaths.

Lead Characters


Blood Brothers guide sections