Fugard Theatre Celebrates 150th Performance of BLOOD BROTHERS

Willy Russell's iconic musical BLOOD BROTHERS, which has been adapted and directed by David Kramer and has wowed South Africa since it first opened in Cape Town last year, will celebrate its 150th performance on Thursday 1 May 2014. To celebrate this momentous milestone in the show's journey, the Fugard Theatre, where the production is running until Sunday 25 May 2014, is offering the first 30 people who call in to book with the reference "Blood Brothers 150", tickets for R100 each (limited to 4 per person) as well as a glass of bubbly on arrival.

David Kramer's adaptation marked the first time that author Willy Russell (SHIRLEY VALENTINE, EDUCATING RITA) had ever granted permission for his musical to be adapted. BLOOD BROTHERS, now set in District Six, Walmer Estate, Parkwood and Elfindale, explores class differences within the coloured community. It tells the story of a single, working class mother who is persuaded by her employer to give one of the twin boys to her when they are born. The women make a secret pact never to tell their sons the truth and it is this secret that drives this musical story to its emotional climax.

BLOOD BROTHERS has enjoyed phenomenal success in London, other parts of the world, and now South Africa, opening at Theatre on the Bay last year before transferring to Johannesburg for a successful season at Montecasino. The production won two Naledi Awards last month, awarded to David Kramer and Alistair Izobell for Best Score/Arrangement/Adaptation and for Bianca Le Grange for Best Female Performance in a Musical. Co-produced by the Fugard Theatre and Theatre on the Bay, the production is now playing at the Fugard Theatre through Sunday 25 May.

The show stars a talented all-local cast including Bianca Le Grange in the lead role of Mrs Johnstone, singing sensation Alistair Izobell as the Narrator, Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner Dean Balie as Eddie, Ephraim Gordon as Mickey, Carlo Daniels as Sammy, Marlo Minnaar as Mr Lyons and Lynelle Kenned as Mrs. Lyons. Andrea Frankson plays the role of Linda, while Shadley Schroeder, Junaid Booysen, Sue Pyler and Monique Rockman complete the excellent line up.

Performances take place from Wednesdays to Fridays at 8pm, at 4pm and 8pm on Saturdays and at 4pm on Sundays. Tickets ranging from R90 to R160 are available via Computicket or the theatre box office on 021 461 4554.