WILLY Russell's bitter-sweet musical has made a triumphant return to Manchester leaving a packed house wildly applauding for more.

The tale of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth and reunited in death, is one of the truly great modern musicals and the current production merely serves to enhance that reputation.

Denise Nolan, one of the seemingly endless supply of the Nolan family, plays the pivotal role of Mrs Johnstone with emotion and feeling.

But she is overshadowed by the outstanding Sean Jones as Mickey who transforms from cheeky seven-year-old fighting cowboys and Indians to a drugged and disillusioned adult fighting depression.

This production wrings every ounce of emotion from the audience and is harder hitting than some earlier productions.

Special mention too for Adam Watkiss, the man who won TV's This Is My Moment, as the narrator who proves that his success was a reward for outstanding talent.

I have to confess that Blood Brothers (after Joseph) is my favourite musical -- this new production didn't disappoint.

Blood Brothers runs until Saturday, October 5. Further details from the ticket hotline 0161 242 2524.

BLOOD BROTHERS

Opera House, Manchester