Willy Russell classic's enduring appeal

Willy Russell’s tragic tale Blood Brothers is still packing in the punters many moons since it was first staged and it’s easy to see why.

Simply put, it’s a powerful piece of theatre that takes the audience on a huge heart wrenching journey.

Russell’s skill of comedic and natural ‘ordinary people’ type scripting makes you really warm to the characters from the off and the memorable, poignant score certainly adds to its selling factor.

The story, centred around nature versus nurture and superstition, leaves you truly gripped and by the end you are left feeling emotionally exhausted!

It’s like a production of two halves. The first being light, funny and will have you smiling from ear to ear. Whilst the second act is dark, poignant and will leave you needing to reach for your tissues. I’d take a whole box of tissues if I were you!

The story, set against the backdrop of Liverpool in the 1960s, follows the life of the twin brothers, separated at birth after their poor single mother Mrs Johnstone can’t afford to keep them both. She makes a pact to give one of her babies to her rich employer Mrs Lyons who struggled to conceive.

The Johnstone twins are brought up in completely different settings and years later come together and become the best of friends, despite their mothers trying desperately to keep them apart.

The audience see their lives unfold as they grow up before your eyes on stage and they seal their own fate.

The Narrator (Scott Anson), plays a key role throughout and is the driver of the story. He lurks in most scenes and watches the drama unfold and pops up at vital times to spin the story in another direction. This worked brilliantly.

Nikki Colwell Evans’ powerful portrayal of Mrs Johnstone was exceptional. You see her go through every single emotion and she’s an integral part of the show.

Sean Jones, who has played twin Mickey at various times in his career, is a truly talented actor and shone throughout, from playing Mickey as an energetic and mischievous child to growing older and falling on very hard times.

While Joe Sleight as the posh twin of Eddie brought a real sense of charm and likeability to the character.

The whole cast deserved the lengthy standing ovation, they are all a real talent and their energy didn’t falter.

When they came together for the final scene performing the iconic number Tell Me It’s Not True, they built it up to an emotionally charged ending and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.