The smash-hit musical ‘Blood Brothers’ is being brought to life in Christchurch for the first time in over a decade.

Produced by Showbiz Christchurch, Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers’ is a gripping tale of twin boys, separated at birth, and raised on opposite sides of the class divide, whose lives cross in increasingly fateful ways.

It is a story of nature versus nurture, of mothers and sons, love, loss, and the price of secrets. But just as importantly, it is full of warmth and humour: adults play children, games are played in backyards, and the smallest choices ripple into the biggest consequences.

The show enjoyed a legendary 24-year run on London’s West End, becoming one of the longest-running musicals in British theatre history.

Featuring an iconic score including Tell Me It’s Not True, Marilyn Monroe, Easy Terms, and Bright New Day, ‘Blood Brothers’ is both a social drama and a heartfelt musical – whether the audience is returning for a second time or discovering it for the first.

Although last produced locally in 2014, it is the 1992 touring production of ‘Blood Brothers’ that Showbiz Christchurch’s marketing and communications manager Tom Hart said is “the musical Christchurch never forgot.”

“The production, starring David Soul as the Narrator, left a lasting impression. Many who saw it still speak of the experience. The laughter, the heartbreak, and the final, breathless silence as the lights went down,” Hart said.

“Now, this legendary musical returns to the Christchurch stage in a bold new production that captures all the emotional force of the original, with a fresh local cast and renewed energy,” he said.

Hart said that this all-local production is created entirely in Christchurch by Showbiz, with the cast, creative team, designers and builders “drawn from some of the city’s finest talent”.

“People can expect a raw, powerful and heartfelt night of theatre. ‘Blood Brothers’ is one of the great modern musicals – full of humour, heartbreak and unforgettable music – and we’re giving it a bold new life with a phenomenal all-local cast and creative team,” Hart said.

“Our cast is full of incredible local talent, many making their Showbiz Christchurch debut alongside some seasoned performers. They’ve been rehearsing for months, balancing work and study with the demands of a big musical. It’s a rare opportunity to see a world-class musical brought to life by and for our community,” he said.

‘Blood Brothers’ runs from 18 – 27 September at the Isaac Theatre Royal.