Vivienne Carlyle, Richard Munday and Kristofer Harding will feature among the cast of Blood Brothers when the musical sets off on its Spring 2026 tour, which includes a visit to London’s Richmond Theater.
Carlyle will continue as Mrs Johnstone, with Munday rejoining Blood Brothers as the Narrator, at certain venues, after playing the role on the 2022–2023 UK tour. He will share the part with Harding, a role he first played in 2016 and returned to in the most recent 2025 tour.
Laura Harrison returns to Blood Brothers to play Mrs Lyons, having previously played Donna Marie in the 2015 tour.
For performances in Derry and Dublin, Mrs Johnstone will be played by Ireland’s own musical theatre legend, Rebecca Storm.
Sean Jones and Joe Sleight will also be returning as the twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie and Gemma Brodrick will continue to play Linda.
Also reprising their roles are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Francesca Benton-Stace(Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Latesha Karisa (Brenda), Danny Knott (Perkins), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland(Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor).
Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.
When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.
Written by Willy Russell, this epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since completed seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.
It is directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright. The creative team also includes resident director Tim Churchill, music supervisor Matt Malone, sound by Dan Samson, set & costumes by Andy Walmsley, lighting by Nick Richings.
Blood Brothers plays Richmond Theatre from May 12-16, 2026. Tickets here.
Top image: The 2025 Autumn Tour Cast of Blood Brothers – (Production Images) – Photo credit by Jack Merriman (image supplied)