When and where did blood brothers first play written?

Answer 1

Answer Blood Brothers by Willy Russell was first written as a school play in 1981. It was further developed and performed at the Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool in 1983.

Answer 2

It was set between the 1950's and the 1970's.

I prefer a more accurate answer.

Based on the Marilyn Monroe comparison the brothers must have been born between 1953 - 1955.

Evidence: Mrs Johnston's husband woos her because she looks like Marilyn Monroe, the actress Norma Jean didn't start using this name until 1948 and for her to have 7 children before Mickey and Eddie it can't be earlier than 1953. However when the brothers meet aged 7, Marilyn Monroe is still alive so it must be earlier than 1962.

The 1955 date would put the job loss of the song "Take a Letter Miss Jones" during the 1973 recession when the brothers are 18.

The musical is not exactly clear about how long Mickey is in jail or how much time passes after he comes out of jail before the end but it is probably approximately 7 years putting their death sometime between 1978 and 1981. Again, the later date is supported by other sources I have read which attribute the twins death to Thatcher Britain. This would put their death during the 1980's recession.

The play was first written in 1981 with the Musical first appearing in 1982.

Answer 3

The musical opened in Liverpool and then London in 1983.

Answer 4

Willy Russell