An impoverished single-mother is forced to give up one of her twin sons for adoption by her rich employer. They grow up as friends but never know the truth. Sounds like Shakespeare? If the bard had set Twelfth Night in Liverpool, doused it with depression and stuck in a few more songs he'd have been a little closer to Willy Russell's hit musical "Blood Brothers".

Blood Brothers is one of those comforting shows that never changes no matter how many different casts it has, no matter how many years it runs on the West End, no matter how many different Nolan sisters appear in it. Come hell or high water, Blood Brothers will be a little bubble of the 80's trapped in theatrical amber.

I've seen this show more times than I care to mention (more times than Les Mis and less than Cats) and have seen two Nolans and assorted fading female vocalists play Mrs Johnston. Denise Nolan has an impressive voice; it's just a shame that her singing voice is exactly like Judy Garland's (which doesn't help) and her Scouse accent roams round America, Ireland and Scotland.

The real show stealers are the supporting cast : Chris Warburton and Daniel Fine as the twins are incredible. They hilariously play children living a carefree and innocent life but, as they grow into adults, they recognise that their social statuses are pulling them in very different directions. Nikki Davis Jones (and her amazing legs) frequently shows thoughtful and careful characterisation through the smallest of touches.

What really comes through in this musical is the spirit of Liverpudlian defiance. In the midst of poverty and deprivation, there's still a gritty sense of humour that shines through. There are some decent tunes (just as well, since they're recycled several times). There's something in the spirit of this show that never goes away, no matter how mangled some of the songs come out by bad amplification, no matter how Irish some of the accents sound; it's a show with a big heart and a broad sweep. If you've never seen it - go and fall in love with it. If you've seen it - go and remember all the things that you love about it.

Ben Whitehouse, 27.05.03