BLOOD Brothers is celebrating its 25th anniversary and I have only just seen it. Hard to believe such brilliance passed me by until now.

Willy Russell's story of twins separated at birth explores the nature versus nurture debate beautifully and the production at Cheltenham's Everyman had the audience hooked before the curtain had finished opening.

It is hard to think of another play that has had the audience longing to get back to their seats for the second half even though there are no surprises, as the show opens at the end of the story.

Although this is a musical, it is not dependent on the music and will appeal to people who hate musicals.

From the rawness of the stage setting to the vulnerability of the characters, there wasn't a split second of this play that I didn't absolutely love.

Sean Jones and Paul Davies were completely believable as seven year olds at the start, faultlessly capturing all the charm and mischief of two young boys not yet old enough to care about the class divide.

It is plain to see where the story is going from the outset and heartbreaking for the audience to watch the inevitable path of destruction unfold.

Lynn Paul, is truly brilliant as the mother, Mrs Johnstone. Although downtrodden by proverty and an enormous brood of kids, her spirit and resilience were unbroken.

The former New Seekers singer delivered a diamond in the rough character, so powerful and so engaging it was hard not to throw a few quid on stage to try and help her escape the endless debt collectors knocking at her door.

Blood Brothers fans watch this play over and over without ever tiring of it and I have now just joined that merry band.

Blood Brothers is at the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre until Saturday, July 17.

Sue Smith