TWO popular musicals return to the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford this autumn.

Footloose, based on the 1980s film, will be staged from September 7-12 while dramatic Blood Brothers will be staged from September 29 to October 3.

Blood Brothers tells the moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers, with Bill Kenwright’s production surpassing 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

The show, which tours almost constantly, has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as according to the Daily Mail it inevitably “brings audiences cheering to its feet and roaring its approval”.

The score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Footloose is returning with Gareth Gates again in a lead role following two critically-acclaimed tours and a West End run. He stars as loveable cowboy Willard.

Gareth came to fame following the finals of ITV’s Pop Idol, released pop singles, and conquered the world musical theatre with lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Les Miserables, Loserville and Legally Blonde.

A spokesman said: “Based on the 1980s film, Footloose sizzles with spirit and fun. With cutting edge modern choreography, you’ll enjoy classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and Footloose.”

Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book.