A tale of two twins, separated at birth and forced to adopt lives in different social classes, is one that never grows old with British audiences.

Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers returns to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury after nearly 30 years and tells the story in a humorous, yet poignant musical.

Micky and Eddy, are born to mother Mrs Johnstone, stunningly played by Maureen Nolan, who cannot afford to keep them both on a shoe-string budget cleaning the house of wealthy couple, the Lyons.

After swearing on oath, the dark deed is done; one boy will be given to rich Jennifer Lyons, who is prepared to live with the lie that her son was never actually her own.

The plot thickens and their guilty conscience is narrated by Wet Wet Wet’s Marti Pellow who always lingers close to the scenes.

He re-appears when times get tough, telling the story of how the boys become friends and the irony of how their lifestyle’s are miles apart, but their dual bond never fails to bring them together.

The songs throughout feature A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and Tell Me It’s Not True.
The lyrics portray the emotions in each scene, which keeps viewers in anticipation.

The audience sees the boys aged seven, when they meet for the first time, hitting off an instant connection.

They quickly become best friends, sealing the deal by sharing a spot of blood in a personal handshake.

This symbol is what play writer Mr Russell uses throughout, the boys do not know they are blood related but take their friendship that one step closer.

Attempts to separate the boys are shown in various forms, but the fate of twins, who share so much of the same identity, ends in tragedy.

The realistic sets capture the small town houses which overlook dazzling city lights in the backdrop, along with the luxury furnishings of Eddy’s home.

The classic show has been a hit since the eighties and was designed as a school play.
But now it can be seen from Monday, September 14 to Saturday, September 26 at 7.30pm at the Marlowe Theatre.

Extra shows run at 2.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays and an additional matinee is on Wednesday, September 23.

Tickets cost from £16 to £37.50 (discounts apply and booking fees apply).

For more information contact the box office on: 01227 787787 or at marlowetheatre.com.