WILLY Russell’s beloved musical Blood Brothers is set to return to Bradford this autumn.

The show - about twin brothers who are separated as babies and grow up across a class divide - is due at the Alhambra from September 29 to October 3. With book, music and lyrics by Willy Russell, it has been seen by millions of people across the world over the past few decades.

It has been seen in the West End, on Broadway, and in Australia and South Africa, with the lead role of Mrs Johnstone played by the likes of Barbara Dickson, Stephanie Lawrence, the Nolan Sisters, Marti Webb, Carole King and Melanie Chisholm.

Blood Brothers is the heart-breaking story of Mickey and Edward, two brothers separated at birth but brought together again through an unlikely friendship. With their familial relationship concealed by their parents, who have striven to keep them apart because of superstitious beliefs, the pair find themselves irreversibly intertwined.

Despite relocating, their lives continue to be tangled, although the deep divisions between Edward’s privileged life and Mickey’s poverty-stricken existence begin to be a burden.

As they try to conquer social divisions, their friendship is damaged and they are forced to deal with the harsh realities of class consciousness, with Edward leaving to attend Oxford, whilst Mickey spirals into a life of crime.

In love with the same woman they grew up with, Mickey and Edward eventually discover the truth about their past and the scene is set for the tragedy. Their mother’s decision to separate them soon after their birth, in order to give them both a better chance in life, comes back to haunt her.

Featuring the haunting song Tell Me It’s Not True, the bittersweet show has been a global hit since it first opened in Liverpool four decades ago, with Barbara Dickson playing Mrs Johnstone.

In 1988, after a UK tour, the show opened again on the West End at the Noel Coward Theatre with a cast including singer Kiki Dee as Mrs Johnstone and Andrew Schofield as the Narrator.

The show stayed at the Noel Coward for three years before moving to its final home, the Phoneix Theatre, in 1991, where it played until November 2012 – an amazing 21 years. Playing over 10,000 performances, the show is one of only three to have completed this feat.

Visit bradford theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.