Blood Brothers is better known as a musical but licensing restrictions only allow amateur productions of Willy Russell's work as a straight play.

It is a tale of twins, divided at birth and growing up as friends unaware that they are brothers. Their friendship breaks down due to their differing lifestyles and love of the same girl, ending with tragic results.

React Theatre Productions, a company for young local actors, once again displays an inordinate amount of talent. The whole cast rises to the challenge of a difficult play which takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Joe Mott and Jamie Muscato, as the brothers, demonstrate superb comic ability as they journey from childhood into maturity. But it is Jodie Spencer who tugs at the heartstrings as the mother forced to give up a child. It is a performance of great maturity from such a young actress.