TWENTY-FIVE years on and Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is still capable of attracting full houses with a show that’s as vibrant and passionate as ever.

I was impressed by how well this musical has worn and how, unlike some that have been doing the rounds for years, this superb touring production shows no sign of fatigue.

Marti Webb has taken over as Mrs Johnstone, the Liverpool mother with more children than money to keep them.

She gives away one of her twins to posh, childless Mrs Lyons – a decision she lives to regret. Unaware of their background, Mickey and Eddie form a schoolboy friendship that carries over, with tragic results, into later life.

Russell uses songs sparingly but effectively, culminating in Tell Me It’s Not True at the emotional climax of the story.

Even the device of the Narrator (Keith Burns) isn’t overdone as he weaves in and out of the action as the voice of doom and gloom.

Webb brings a tough but honest Scouseness to Mrs Johnstone, leading up to the heart-tugging finale. Sean Jones is an outstanding Mickey, whether being the naughty boy or troubled teenager, with Simon Willmott good too, as the less well defined, posh Eddie.

I have a feeling that, in 25 years’ time, Blood Brothers will still be packing them in at theatres around the country.

■ Until Saturday. Tickets 0844-8472322 or on line grandoperahouseyork.org.uk Steve Pratt