ONCE you've seen Blood Brothers for the first time, there's a fair chance that, like me, you'll become addicted. Last night in Malvern was, I think, my sixth, or was it the seventh, trip to see it.

This is a show that never loses its power to move its audience first to tears and then onto its feet as it draws everyone in to the story of the Johnstone twins.

When an impulsive suggestion offers what seems to be a pragmatic solution to two women's problems, it sets them on the path to a tragic conclusion. One is a mother with too many mouths to feed, the other a woman doomed to be motherless - the birth of twin boys offers a way out. We know where it ends before we know how it began, as the curtain rises on the two men lying dead on the stage, but that only serves to heighten the power of the story to move. Blood Brothers is a tragedy on an epic scale, starting as it does with the two men's lives cut short and then rolling back in time to reveal the dark secret that will lead to their premature deaths.

Separated at birth, Mickie and Eddie are unknowingly reunited at seven, instant best friends who prick their thumbs to become blood brothers. But as they leave childhood behind, their lives dramatically diverge as the privilege of one and the despair of the other create an unbridgeable gulf between them. And the secret won't stay hidden...

The brilliant ensemble cast, led by Lyn Paul returning as Mrs Johnstone, a role she's made her own, with Sean Jones once again playing Mickey as if born to the part, made the magic happen yet again as the story unfolded with boundless energy and heartfelt sincerity.

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe, a song that’s used to brilliant effect throughout, embodying joy and humour at the start, despair and hopelessness as Mickey’s life unravels, and the emotionally charged and heartbreaking Tell Me It’s Not True. This epic tale of Liverpool life has been running in London’s West End since July 1988 and touring the UK since 1995. In the USA it was nominated for seven Tony Awards.

The publicity for the show urges anyone who hasn’t seen Blood Brothers to go, and those who have to go again - and they’re not wrong. As long as it continues to tour, I'll be going back.

Blood Brothers runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday, September 17. To book, call the box office on 01684 892277 or visit malvern-theatres.co.uk

Every musical has its diehard fans, and having seen Blood Brothers for the third time, I have to declare my hand and say that it would always be my first choice.