Blood Brothers

Janus Entertainment is delighted to announce Amanda Muggleton in Willy Russell’s BLOOD BROTHERS

She was Shirley Valentine, she was Educated as Rita, and now Amanda Muggleton completes the Willy Russell trilogy with Mrs Johnstone in the musical sensation BLOOD BROTHERS.

From the incredibly talented writer of both Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita, few musicals have received quite such acclaim as Blood Brothers. A musical tale of twin siblings, Blood Brothers, premiered in the West End in 1983, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. It later transferred to Broadway where it earned a clutch of Tony and Drama Desk nominations. The first Australian production, in 1988, included Russell Crowe in the role of Mickey and rocker Chrissy Amphlet as Mrs Johnstone. The current West End revival is one of the longest-running musical productions in history, also opening in 1988 and still attracting huge audiences !

Recently starring as Mrs Peachum in The Threepenny Opera for Sydney Theatre Company/Malt House, Ms Muggleton was “sooooo excited about coming back to Perth. I have had my name on Blood Brothers for many years,” she said, “but up until now the dates have never worked out.” She’s also thrilled to team up again with old friend and colleague John Senczuk, who will direct the production. “It’s time this wonderful musical was done again!” she added.

Having received considerable national recognition in Educating Rita and, especially, Shirley Valentine, Amanda Muggleton’s affinity with Willy Russell’s characters is significant. The Metcalfe Playhouse is delighted that she returns to Perth to make her debut in the role of Mrs Johnstone. She is joined by a strong local cast including Garreth Bradshaw, Maree Cole, Julia Hern, Tyler Jones, Charles McComb, Sarah McNeill, Richard Mellick, Ian Toyne and featuring Simon Thompson and Nick Maclaine as Mickey and Eddie.

Blood Brothers is, at first, a heart-warming story of Mickey and Edward, two brothers separated at birth, brought together again through friendship. However, their familial relationship is concealed by their guardians who strive to keep them apart because of superstitious beliefs.

Despite relocating, their lives continue to intertwine, although the deep divisions between the privileged life of Edward and Mickey’s poverty-stricken existence are wholly apparent. As they try to conquer the social divisions which hinder their friendship, they must deal with the harsh realities of class consciousness; Edward goes on to study at Oxford whilst Mickey is forced into a life of crime through unemployment.

As adults, they are caught up in a vicious love triangle with Mickey’s childhood sweetheart Linda. Mickey’s imprisonment and subsequent depression pushes Linda into the arms of the conciliatory Edward. A desperate Mickey takes drastic action against his fraternal twin that will ultimately expose their true identities.

"Blood Brothers is undoubtedly the most exciting thing to have happened to the English musical theatre in years" - Sheridan Morley
"Willy Russell is less concerned with political tub-thumping than with weaving a close-knit story about the working of fate and destiny...it carries one along with it in almost unreserved enjoyment" - Guardian
"Gripping, gritty and superbly hummable. It's a must." - The Mail on Sunday

Preview: November 9 & 10
Season: November 11 -17, 19, 20, 22-27, 29-30, December 1-4
Times: Tuesday - Saturday, 7.30pm
Matinee's - Thursday 11am, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 3pm

Tickets:
Preview $40.00
$67.00 Standard, $57 Conc, $30 Student U16,
$59 MEAA, AWG, Blue Room members
$155 Family (2adult+2student)
$57 each Groups 10+ Standard (1 free ticket)
$45 each Groups 10+ Concession (1 free ticket)
$25 Student Rush - 20 mins prior to performance

Bookings: 9228 1455 or  Book Online Here