Blood Brothers, the musical.
Starring Melanie C.
Voting information can be found in the Blog.
Also, vote for Melanie C for 'Best Takeover In A Role' in the What's On Stage Awards.
The Leading Ladies of Blood Brothers. 1983-Present.
Barbara Dickson
In 1980 she was asked to play the lead role of Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers. She quickly made the role her own and was awarded a Society of West End Theatres Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1983. Barbara revisited the role for a celebratory performance in Liverpool during the winter of 2000-01 at the Liverpool Empire.
The achingly romantic songs... many of which fall to Barbara Dickson as the mother... rendering the lyrics with stunning clarity.
Kiki Dee
"It's such a strong piece, there's always something new about it." Doing it afresh for London, she discovered that she enjoyed doing it more and more. Kiki Dee first appeared in 1987 at the Albery Theatre, in London before touring and returning to the West End when the production moved to the Phoenix Theatre. She returned to the role several times.
Kiki Dee starred in Blood Brothers for which she
was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award.
Angela Richards.
Angela Richards played the role of Mrs. Johnstone in 1989, at the Albery Theatre.
Stephanie Lawrence
Succeeding Barbara Dickson, Stephanie spent four years as Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers. As well as appearing at the Phoenix Theatre in London, she led the production cast that took Blood Brothers to Broadway in 1993. Although the show was initially savaged by the notorious New York critics, it was nominated for six Tony Awards including one for her performance as Best Actress. Sadly, Stephanie passsed away in 2000.
...received a Tony nomination for her Broadway performances, before returning to the West End production
Petula Clark
Petula Clark made her Broadway debut alongside David and Shaun Cassidy in a highly successful production of Blood Brothers and followed it with an American tour. "As Mrs Johnstone, the spirited loving mother of the twins, Petula Clark is sublime. Her superb vocal gift and fine craft as an actor come together as never before ... Chicago Review. August - April 1994 Broadway & September - May 1994/5 US Tour
"'Blood Brothers' wipes me away, without fail, every time. Petula Clark is in thrilling vocal form." New York Newsday
Carole King"The melodies are very comfortable for me to sing, because they're very like the ones I would write."Carole King became Mrs Johnstone in 1994 for the Broadway run. Invited to star in the show but unsure, she had made her mind up by the interval!
"After the first act, I said, "I'm in. I love the show. Willy Russell is so talented."
Helen Reddy
Australian born, Helen Reddy has appeared as both Shirley Valentine, the one-woman play by Willy Russell, and as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers. She has performed in Broadway and on the West End.
Lyn Paul
Once a New Seeker, Lyn Paul first became Mrs. Johnstone in 1997. She performed on the West End stage, then a four month tour of the UK before returning to London, where in July 1998 she celebrated the show's 10th Anniversary. She has since revisited the role several times, in the West End, and on tour. Her powerful voice and charm makes her a popular Mrs. Johnstone.
Bernie Nolan
The Nolan sisters, Bernie, Denise, Linda and Maureen have all played Mrs. Johnstone at various times. Bernie made her West End debut and also toured with Blood Brothers in the leading role of Mrs Johnstone.
"Bernie Nolan is a sensational revelation in the role."
Denise Nolan
Denise and her sisters Bernie, Linda and Maureen have all played the role of Mrs Johnstone, earning them recognition in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records. Denise impressed with her vocal talents and got raving reviews, in the West End and on tour. "Her talents haven't gone un-noticed."
Linda Nolan
The Nolan sisters, Bernie, Denise, Linda and Maureen have all played Mrs. Johnstone at various times. Linda Nolan is a heart-warming Mrs. Johnstone whose portrayal was very popular and won her critical acclaim, throughout the many years she was in it.
Maureen Nolan
The Nolan sisters, Bernie, Denise, Linda and Maureen have all played Mrs. Johnstone at various times. Maureen played the Mrs. Johnstone in London's West End for two years. She did two weeks on the tour on The Isle Of Man, in 2008, and played the role, for the first half of the 2009 tour. She has a unique voice and has became a favourite amongst many fans.
Helen Hobson.
Helen Hobson played the role of Mrs. Lyons in 1989. In 2007, she played Mrs. Johnstone in the West End and one leg of the national tour.
Siobhan McCarthy.
Siobhan McCarthy has played the role of Mrs. Johnstone in the West End, in recent years and in the late 90s.
Rebecca Storm
At 23, Rebecca Storm auditioned for Blood Brothers and although a little young to play ‘Mrs Johnstone' Willy Russell was so captivated by her voice, that he insisted wardrobe & make up went to work to' age’ the young actress. Whenever the show visits Ireland, Rebbecca Storm plays the role of Mrs Johnstone.
...there’s an inspirational performance, in both singing and acting terms, from the multi-talented Rebecca Storm
Marti Webb
Marti is an award winning singer and has performed in many musicals such as 'Tell Me On A Sunday', 'Evita', 'Oliver' and 'Godspell'. She toured in Blood Brothers for a short time frm September, 2008 to the end of the 2008 tour. She got mixed reviews, but was seen by many fans as their favourite Mrs. Johnstone. Bill Kenwright had wanted her to play the part for many years.
Niki Evans.
Having came fourth in 2007's The X Factor, Bill Kenwright was searching for Niki for a while, as he thought that she would make a brilliant Mrs. Johnstone. She has an excellent voice, and her acting and Liverpudlian accent is really good as well, considering this is her first West End acting job. Having done a couple of weeks in the West End, she then transferre to do the Birminagham leg of the tour for 2 weeks, to thank all of her fans and to play her home town. On November 3rd, 2008, she officially started her 6 month run in the West End. She finished on 28th, March, 2009, for a about a month and is now playing the coveted role until around the end of September.
Melanie Chrisholm.
Former Spice Girl starts at The Phoenix Theatre, in London's West End, on 26th October, 2009.
