One of theatre’s most emotionally-charged shows is returning to the stage as part of a UK tour.

Blood Brothers is currently on a summer tour of venues across the country, including a run at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

Willy Russell’s heartfelt tale of long-lost family, based in Liverpool between the 1950s and 1980s, made its West End debut in 1983.

This latest production stars X Factor finalist Niki Colwell Evans, who appeared on the singing competition in 2007 under the mentorship of judge Louis Walsh.

She has since performed in stage shows such as Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and an earlier production of Blood Brothers in which she played Mrs Johnstone, a role she is reprising this summer.

Also joining the cast for the final time is Sean Jones, who has played the role of Mickey, on and off, since 1999.

This is believed to be the last time that the actor will be playing the iconic character.

The show, which our reporter described as “phenomenal” in a review at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley earlier this year, is one of only three musicals to have surpassed 10,000 performances on London’s West End.

The story of twin brothers Eddie and Mickey, who are separated at birth and forced to lead two different lives - one in poverty and prison, the other in an upper middle-class family - has won three Olivier Awards and been nominated for six Tony Awards.

Blood Brothers will be at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, from Tuesday, August 22 to Saturday, August 26. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.