The story of the Johnstone twins now in its 29th year never fails to move you to tears - the opening night of Willy Russell's fabulous Blood Brothers is still one of the best musicals around.

Mrs Johnstone played by the outstanding Maureen Nolan already a Mum of seven, now pregnant expecting twins and deserted by her husband is financially crippled and in despair she agrees to give one of her twins to her posh employer Mrs Lyons (Tracey Spencer) who has been unable to have child.

The first half concentrates on the twins growing up aged seven, who unwittingly befriend each other despite their totally differing backgrounds becoming blood brothers by pricking each others thumb.

Mickey's (Sean Jones) antics as a seven year old, his adolescence and awkwardness with Linda (Danielle Corlass) as a fourteen year old brought lots of smiles. A tough adult life followed - married, baby, unemployed, depressed, imprisoned and drugs his performance was incredible.

Mickey's ten year old brother Sammy (Daniel Taylor) a bit of a maniac had the audience in stitches with his recklessness and humour.

Narrated by the slightly sinister Kristoffer Harding he lies in wait ominously, linking the story together- building the tension which ultimately ends with tragic consequences.

The emotion during the finale is ratcheted up as the haunting voice of Maureen Nolan fills the theatre with Tell Me It's Not True.

Whether you are seeing this show for the first time or the fifth you will not be disappointed .