Theatres - Phoenix Theatre

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Blood Brothers ( Phoenix Theatre ) - Musical

Written by the legendary Willy Russell, BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The incredible score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time - scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway - Blood Brothers is celebrating 21 years in London's West End. From the 26th April Nikki Evans (X Factor finalist) will once again play the role of Mrs. Johnstone. The recommended age for children is age 12 and above. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted to the theatre.

Phoenix Theatre

Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0JG

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square,Tottenham Court Road
Nearest Bus Stop: 19, 22, 24, 38, 40, 176

While the elevation of this theatre which fronts onto Charing Cross Road looks rather drab, the art deco interior with extensive use of mirrors which was designed by the Russian director and designer Theodore Komisarjevsky, is wonderful. In the 1970's the entrance to the theatre was moved from Charing Cross Road to around the corner in Phoenix Street, while the Advance Box Office is actually half way between the two in Charing Cross Road, an arrangement that can prove confusing. In 1986 part of the adjacent car park, which had been a former bomb site, was used to build a cinema, but this has now been demolished to make way for a residential development.

This theatre is particularly associated with Noel Coward. The opening production was the premiere of Coward's comedy "Private Lives" which featured Noel Coward, Gertrude Lawrence, Laurence Olivier and Adrienne Allen in the cast. The production lasted 3 months before it transferred to Broadway. Noel and Gertie returned to the theatre in 1936 with his programme of 9 one act plays which played under the heading of Tonight at 8.30. In December 1969 the foyer bar was renamed 'The Noel Coward Bar' and on 16 December 1969 the theatre owners organised a special midnight matinee in honour of Coward's 70th birthday.

Other productions here include, in 1968, "The Canterbury Tales" which had a run of over 2,000 performances and Tom Stoppard's "Night and Day" which run for two years. In 1991 Willy Russell's musical "Blood Brothers" transferred here from The Albery Theatre and is now the longest running show at The Phoenix Theatre.