One of Liverpool’s favourite productions returns to the city this week in the form of Willy Russell’s Blood Bothers.

The hit musical, showing at the Liverpool Empire is starring former Spice Girls pop star and Mersey born Melanie C.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

Some believe this is due to superstition. Shoes being put upon the table cursing the mother of the two, others believe the mother in question has a callous streak – giving up a child in a selfish flash.

Mel’s voice is spectacular – when she sings. Unfortunately her soft tone and youthful looks don’t give her the mothering quality needed to play the part of Mrs Johnstone – but this is all forgotten about as soon as she starts to sing.

Her voice is one of the best I’ve heard on stage and puts her pop group days to shame. Truly moving, she brings the stage to life – particularly at more emotive parts of the play.

Robbie Scotcher playing the narrator does a fantastic job. His stage presence is exceptional and he plays this dramatic yet cool part brilliantly. He demands respect throughout the production and hosts the play in style.

Our Blood Bothers themselves, Mickey and Eddie, played by Sean Jones and Paul Davies transform their characters well throughout from adorable and innocent youngsters to troubled and serious adults. Sometimes though, their dialog became tiresome and I felt it was time for the next scene.

Every member of the cast was on key, timings were perfect and every feeling and emotion portrayed on the stage is felt through the audience too.

Blood Bothers has it all – the laughs, the love, the tears and even a few tantrums. It’s becoming a right of passage in Merseyside to see the show, which since its creation has travelled the globe.

Love it or hate it, it’s a show that everyone should see.

Performance and ticket details

Blood Brothers runs at the Liverpool Empire from November 8 - 20

Buy online at http://www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or call 0151 708 3232