CRITICALLY-acclaimed musical Blood Brothers celebrates its 20th anniversary by returning to the Manchester Opera House from next Monday until April 28.

Few musicals have received quite the praise that Willy Russell's Blood Brothers has.

Hailed as "one of the best musicals of all time", it has triumphed across the world, scooping four awards for best musical in London, seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway and receiving a standing ovation at nearly every performance over the past 17 years in the West End.

This epic tale of Liverpool life has been running in London's West End since July, 1988, and touring the UK since 1995.

Telling the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be re-united by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret, Blood Brothers includes the hit "Tell Me It's Not True".

The production stars former Nolan Sisters singer Linda Nolan, who joined the West End Company of Blood Brothers in 2001.

l Blood Brothers is at the Manchester Opera House between April 16 and 28. Tickets are £14 to £30.50 on 0870 60 77 471 or at www.ticketmaster.co.uk