AS a first-timer to this show, I was warned about the heart-breaking ending and had my hankies at the ready.

But I wished someone had also told me about the dramatic special effects at the end which had me and everyone in my section of the theatre literally jumping out of their seats.

Willy Russell's classic musical takes the audience on a very emotional journey of family discovery but with plenty of laughter and cutting Scouse wit on the way.

Steve Palfreman and Craig Whiteley as the central characters Mickey and Eddie really stole the show.

Knowing the chalk and cheese "blood brothers" are really siblings adds poignancy to their great friendship which eventually ends, as many do, when they both fall in love with the same girl Linda, wonderfully played by Louise Clayton.

Lyn Paul as Mrs Johnstone, mother of the two brothers, is magnificent and has a superb singing voice which did justice to the musical's many great numbers especially the final heart-rending Tell Me It's Not True.

If, like me, you have never seen the show do go and, if you already have, then go again as it's a wonderful night out.

AG