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Overview

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.

Show Information

Lyrics
Willy Russell
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
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, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Mrs Johnstone

Lead

Female

Alto

Narrator

Lead

Male

Tenor

Michael "Mickey" Johnstone

Lead

Male

Baritone

Edward (Eddie) Lyons

Lead

Male

Tenor

Sammy Johnstone

Supporting

Male

Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Linda

Supporting

Female

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Mrs Lyons

Supporting

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Mr Lyons

Featured

Male

Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Songs

ACT ONE

  • Overture – Orchestra, Company and Narrator
  • "Marilyn Monroe" – Mrs. Johnstone and Full Company
  • "Marilyn Monroe" (Reprise ) – Mrs. Johnstone
  • "My Child" – Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons
  • "Easy Terms" – Mrs. Johnstone
  • "Shoes Upon the Table" – Narrator
  • "Easy Terms" (Reprise) – Mrs. Johnstone
  • "Kids' Game" – Linda, Mickey and Ensemble
  • "Gypsies in the Wood" (Reprise of Shoes Upon the Table) - Narrator
  • "Bright New Day" (Preview) – Mrs. Johnstone
  • "Long Sunday Afternoon" / "My Friend" – Mickey and Edward
  • "Bright New Day" – Mrs. Johnstone and Full Company

ACT TWO

  • Entr'acte – Orchestral piece
  • "Marilyn Monroe [Reprise 2]" – Mrs. Johnstone and Full Company
  • "Secrets" – Narrator
  • "That Guy" – Mickey and Edward
  • "Shoes Upon the Table" (Reprise) – Narrator
  • "I'm Not Saying a Word" – Edward
  • "Miss Jones" – Mr Lyons, Miss Jones and Full Company
  • "Marilyn Monroe [Reprise 3]" – Mrs. Johnstone
  • "Light Romance" – Mrs. Johnstone
  • "Madman" – Narrator
  • "Tell Me It's Not True" – Mrs. Johnstone and Full Company

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher