BLOOD Brothers at the Everyman had a packed audience on their feet cheering a wonderful performance of the Willy Russell classic.

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

Niki Colwell Evans stole the show with a magnificent performance as Mrs Johnstone, the mother forced to give one of her twin boys to her rich employer Mrs Lyons played beautifully by Paula Tappenden.

The acerbic scouse wit runs throughout this production which is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright.

It is a perfectly formed Liverpool backdrop in a set designed by Andy Walmsley which worked wonderfully with the excellent cast.

Sean Jones as Mickey was both funny and evoked empathy from the audience while Joe Sleight as Eddie was perfect as the golden son Eddie.

This is a production with everything you want from such a classic – beautiful singing, powerful acting and a great pace to keep the audience engaged with the wonderful songs which we all love.

A gritty Liverpool folk opera which never fails to deliver with its social messages and strong story line.

You laugh out loud at the young brothers as they form a magical friendship across the social divide.

Timothy Lucas was superb as the hot headed older brother to Mickey bringing scouse humour and Liverpool grit to the part.

It is no surprise that Blood Brothers is a GCSE staple as it still packs a punch in terms of storytelling and sheer dramatic impact.

Blood Brothers is at the Everyman in Cheltenham. For more information visit everymantheatre.org.uk