The countdown is on for Blood Brothers, the debut production from Wānaka’s new community theatre society, Onstage Wānaka.

The show, which runs at the Lake Wānaka Centre from August 8–16, is the first full-scale musical theatre production in Wānaka in many years.

It’s an entirely community-led project, featuring a local cast, live musicians, and a team of volunteers working behind the scenes.

Onstage Wānaka is bringing to the stage the internationally acclaimed musical by Willy Russell, which tells the story of twin brothers separated at birth and raised in different worlds — one in poverty, the other in privilege. 

Their paths cross and intertwine with tragic consequences in what the group describes as a “gripping, fast-paced production full of heart, humour, and unforgettable music”.

“Adding to the magic, Blood Brothers will feature a live band, not backing tracks — a bold choice that elevates the theatrical experience and brings a raw, dynamic energy to every performance,” Onstage Wānaka said in a statement.

With the all-local cast, there are likely to be some familiar names on the stage.

Read more: Cast finalised for Onstage Wānaka’s inaugural production

Onstage Wānaka was formed to fill a need for a dedicated theatre society in Wānaka, and officially launched in March.

The group said Blood Brothers marks the start of a new era for performing arts in Wānaka.

Tickets to Blood Brothers are available now.

PHOTO: Onstage Wānaka

Read more: New performance group