Legendary musical set for run at Garrick

Bill Kenwright's legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers visits Lichfield Garrick next month as part of a huge UK tour.

The much-loved musical, known for sell out houses across the country, runs at the Garrick from Tuesday 5 to Sunday 9 September.

Niki Colwell Evans and Sean Jones, will continue to play the iconic roles of Mrs Johnstone and Mickey Johnstone respectively, with Gemma Brodrick stepping into the role of Linda, the “role of a lifetime” for the actress who has been a part of the production since she began in 2019.

Niki Colwell Evans first rose to fame in 2007 when she reached the semi-final of series four of X Factor UK, mentored by Louis Walsh.

After her debut solo single 'Love Me No More' in 2008, she went on to play the iconic role Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre between 2008-2009 and in 2010 where she received rave reviews from critics.

Following on from this she performed in the pantomimes Cinderella as the Fairy Godmother at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (2009-2010) and in Kinky Boots as Trish (UK Tour 2018/21).

In 2016, she performed at the Queen's 90th celebrations at Windsor Castle alongside Dame Helen Mirren, Damien Lewis, Andrea Boccelli, Katherine Jenkins, Gary Barlow, Kylie Minogue and many more.

Sean Jones continues in the role of Mickey in Blood Brothers. Other stage credits include: Aladdin; Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan; Cinderella; Snow White (UK Tour); Macbeth (UK Tour and Singapore); and Jacqueline's Wilson's world premiere of Wave Me Goodbye (Theatr Clwyd). TV credits include: Emmerdale; The Royal Today; and Hollyoaks.

Completing the current cast for 2023 is Joe Sleight (Eddie), Danny Whitehead (Narrator) and Timothy Lucas (Sammy), Josh Capper (Neighbour), Paula Tappenden (Mrs Lyons), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Jess Smith (Brenda), Tori Hargreaves (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Connor Bannister (Perkins), Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor), and Nick Wilkes (Teacher/Policeman).

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, Blood Brothers is considered 'one of the best musicals ever written' (Sunday Times).

The production surpassed 10,000 performances in London's West End, one of only three musicals to achieve that milestone.

Pictured: The 2023 touring cast of Blood Brothers