BLOOD BROTHERS is as brave and bold today as it was when it debuted more than 40 years ago.

The legendary Liverpudlian musical melodrama takes you on a journey from superstition to realism to provide a powerful piece of theatre that today still captures and moves audiences to tears.

This latest UK tour version of the Willy Russel penned West End Hit produced by the late Bill Kenwright at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre doesn’t shy away from the difficult subject matter and in doing so brings out some of the best performances ever seen in this moving nature versus nurture tale.

Blood Brothers follows the story of twins separated at birth who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks.

But despite their differing circumstances and class divide develop and re-kindle a friendship which ultimately will have devastating consequences.

Vivienne Carlyle gave us a raw, compassionate and kind-hearted Mrs Johnstone, a role made famous down the years by a succession of strong leading ladies.

And Carlyle did not disappoint with her sympathetic portrayal easily moving theatregoers to love, pity or sorrow.

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Scott Anson as the narrator is superb at bringing a stark sense of peril and whose predictions for the pair’s story was full of foreboding ensuring the audience on the edge of their seats.

Sean Jones is sensational as the tragic Mickey. His playful portrayal of the young Mickey is heart-warming while his showing of the subsequent decline of the loveable old before his time worker is truly heart-breaking.

Joe Sleight is fantastic as Eddie. His charming, childlike performance as the youngster afforded all the advantages available from wealth provided both laughs aplenty for the Pavilion’s audience.

Sarah Jane Buckley was wonderful as Mrs Lyons. Her tortured take on the role of Eddie’s adoptive mother was keenly observed while her husband played by Tim Churchill was great as the removed father figure.

Gemma Brodrick gave a tremendously touching interpretation of Mickey and Eddie’s lovelight Linda. Her puppy love school scenes along with her struggles to support her sick husband stood out for me.

While James Ledsham proved perfect as bullying older brother Sammy, the angry young man would not envisage his scrapes with the law would provide Mickey with the weapon to exact his own justice and bring the show to a tearful and devastatingly pre-ordained climax.

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally-charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Blood Brothers, even after over 40 years, remains an absolutely enthralling emotional rollercoaster of a show that is guaranteed to remain with you long after the standing ovations.

Blood Brothers is at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre until Saturday August 31. For tickets visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01745 33 00 00.