Blood Brothers, Blackpool Opera House

LIVERPOOL, poverty, tragedy -- it shouldn't work as entertainment, but it does.

Willy Russell's Blood Brothers was straightforward enough; a tale of twins separated because of a cruel pact between a desperate housekeeper and her employer.

This was raw stuff, emotionally and theatrically. A lot of the music was simplistic and the show must hold a record for the number of rhyming couplets containing the words "Marilyn Monroe". But you do find yourself humming along, just as closet musician Russell intended.

The second half was much more engaging than the first. Watching the twins grow up as best friends and "blood brothers" -- never knowing the truth -- was tearjerking stuff with all the performers really coming into their own.

Mickey changed from cheeky kid to downtrodden tranq addict, while twin Eddie's more privileged lifestyle brought tragedy after Mickey's wife Linda fell for him instead.

For any parent watching, the ending was possibly the worst scenario you could ever imagine, and judging by the standing ovation it obviously pushed the right emotional buttons.

Denise Nolan (the third Nolan sister to take the part) put her heart and soul into her role of housekeeper Mrs Johnstone, sobbing uncontrollably at the curtain calls. Sean Jones (Mickey) was particularly convincing as a young man mauled by life, and Daniel Fine (Eddie) played what could have been a cold part with tremendous warmth.

Nikki Davis-Jones (Linda) sparkled as the sassy young woman who captured both Mickey's and Eddie's hearts, while Jacqui Charlesworth played a wonderfully unhinged Mrs Lyons, and Adam Watkiss showed why he won TV talent show This Is My Moment with a strong performance as the narrator.

Blood Brothers runs at Blackpool Opera House until Saturday, September 21.