THE acclaimed West End musical Blood Brothers has taken to the stage in the North-East this week.

The musical opened a 12-night run at the Sunderland Empire on Monday, and features former Nolan Sisters singer Linda in the leading role of Mrs Johnstone.

She plays a young mother who is deserted by her husband and has to raise seven hungry children. She then discovers she is pregnant with twins.

In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters with a secret pact with her employer, leading to the show's shattering climax.

It features a score of songs, including A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and Tell Me It's Not True.

Blood Brothers won four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony nominations on Broadway.

The show runs nightly at the Empire until Saturday, September 27, excluding Sunday, with matinees tonight and next Wednesday, at 2.30pm, and on both Saturdays, at 4pm.

The evening performances are at 7.30pm, except on the Saturdays, when it starts at 8pm.

Tickets, which cost from £15 to £26.50, can be booked at the box office, on 0191-514 2517.