At the climax of Blood Brothers it’s easy to feel like you’ve been pulled through the emotional ringer.

During more than two hours we’ve witnessed anguish, elation, betrayal, guilt and – both at the beginning and end – the deaths of lead characters.

At the curtain call of this brilliant musical on Monday, the cast appeared to have been through the same ringer.

As they took their bows the actors – led triumphantly by Maureen Nolan – were visibly affected by the story they had told.

The show is set in recession-hit Liverpool in the 1980s, but the backdrop of poverty and class divide could easily be today, and the themes are timeless.

Maureen plays penniless Mrs Johnstone, who with six hungry children at home gives one of her new baby twins to the posh woman she cleans for.

Despite the two women’s efforts to keep them apart, the boys grow up as friends, unaware they are related, and the story relentlessly pushes to its tragic conclusion.

There are moments of joy and hilarity amidst the heartbreak, but it won’t be tears of laughter you’ll be shedding as you leave.

Blood Brothers runs until Saturday. Call 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk to book.