WILLY Russell’s Blood Brothers went down a storm at its opening night on Tuesday at the Princess Theatre, Torquay.

The show, now celebrating its 29th anniversary, is an epic tale of twin brothers who were separated at birth and ended up at opposite ends of the social spectrum.

Eddie, who was given to a prim and proper posh family ended up becoming a councillor, and Mickey, who stayed with his hard-up biological mother, ended up unemployed and in prison.

Both fall in love with the same girl, Linda, causing a rift in their friendship and ending with the tragic death of both brothers.

The compelling and emotional story had members of the almost packed audience in equal measures of tears and laughter.

The gripping show, with its near the knuckle gags, was really brought to life by the women in the show, who gave outstanding performances.

Lyn Paul, who played the twins’ mother Mrs Johnstone, was without a doubt the one who stood out.

Although in her late 60s and playing a 20-year-old in the show, her voice was a powerful one that blew the audience away – and her acting did just the same.

Lyn has worked with the likes of Olivia Newton-John and was even invited to perform at the inauguration of US President Richard Nixon.

Danielle Corlass, who played Linda, the girl the twins fall in love with, and Sarah Hay, who played Mrs Lyons, who took Eddie in, were flawless in their performances.

Both their voices and acting pumped real energy into an already exhilarating performance.

The cast delivered a fantastic show and the audience lapped-up what was, at times, a heart-rending performance.

If you are looking for a evening of great entertainment, this is definitely a show to see.

The story of love, friendship and hard times, continues at the Princess Theatre until Saturday (March 26).

SAM HALL