Blood Brothers is a rags-to-riches story that makes a haunting musical tragedy of our times. Mrs Johnstone, deserted by her husband and with a house full of kids to feed, learns she is expecting twins, who she cannot possibly afford to keep. She chars for childless Mrs Lyons, who learning of her plight, begs one of her twins from her at birth. The two boys grow up streets apart, never learning the truth but becoming firm friends (and in love with the same girl) despite their differing backgrounds and the efforts of Mrs Lyons to keep them apart. Mickey Johnstone loses his job, marries the girl, turns to crime and becomes dependent on tranquilisers. Edward Lyons prospers, goes to university and becomes a Councillor. But a Narrator, intruding like Fate,  warns that a "price has to be paid".