Linda Nolan put so much heart, soul and emotion into her role in Blood Brothers at the New Wimbledon Theatre this week that she was reduced to tears at the end.

That warrants the highest praise possible, but what is all the more remarkable is that the brave former Nolan Sisters singing star was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

Her fine acting delightful singing voice were the outstanding features of this captivating production of Willy Russell's hit musical.

As Mrs. Johnstone, the impoverished Liverpudlian mum who after being deserted by her husband gives away one of twins, Linda gets to perform three show-stopping numbers in Marilyn Munroe, Bright New Day and Tell Me It's Not True.

The twins, who, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks but keep coming together without knowing they are related, are convincingly played by Stephen Palfreman (Mickey, the tearaway) and Craig Whiteley (Eddie, the soft one).

Sandy Walsh, as Mrs. Lyons, the wealthy employer who persuades Mrs. Johnstone to give her Eddie at birth, captures her troubled character's ruthlessness and vulnerability. But Daniel Taylor, while injecting plenty of aggression and an air of intimidation into the part of the twins' older brother Sammy, doesn't quite convey his feelings for the family he helps Micky to destroy.

Keith Burns, as the narrator, used such a broad Liverpudlian accent that I found it difficult to understand him at times, which prompted me to wonder if we really needed anyone to try to explain what we could all see for ourselves.

But full marks to directors Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, musical supervisor Rod Edwards and desiger Andy Walmsley for making the most of Willy Russell's wonderful book, music and lyrics.