F or Maureen Nolan there is no escaping family. Whether it is singing with her sisters, as part of the chart-topping Nolan Sisters, or joining the theatre for a musical role about twin boys separated at birth, human ties run deep.

Taking on the role as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, set to return to Bristol Hippodrome, she also follows in her sisters' footsteps.

Maureen is the fourth Nolan sister to assume the role of the pregnant young mother, deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for her growing brood.

She says: "I saw Blood Brothers 18 times before I was in it and I still really, really, love it. It came at a time when I wanted to diversify and add another string to my bow. Bernie really paved the way for us with musical theatre. She was the first one to act and the first to get Blood Brothers.

"I watched her and thought I could do it, too. Linda went on next and it has been a bit weird that we've all done the same role. I was actually quite annoyed because I had this image of Mrs Johnstone in my head. It shows the magic is in the writing – Willy Russell is a genius; he really touches a chord and for me, this is the best role there is."

But even in auditioning for the role, which has been reprised by names such as Barbara Dickson and Eartha Kitt, there was pressure on the Irish star.

She says: "There was pressure initially, that out of the four of us it might have been me that didn't get the role.

"Then family and friends compare you: even if they say they don't, it's inevitable. In fact, you're always being compared. And for me, because I love the role and the story so much, there is always pressure to do it justice."

Blood Brothers follows twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret.

The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True.

Maureen has played Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers in the West End, and on tour.

She says: "In many ways watching my sisters really helped.

"I saw things they did that I liked and I thought 'I'll nick that', then there have been other things that I've thought I'd do differently. I try to put my own stamp on it and do my best.

"It's great to be able to try new things and work with the fantastic cast. We're really like one big family – you really have to be in the theatre, especially when you're on tour."

And the mix of music and acting is what inspires the singer, who says she wants to continue performing in musicals as long as she can.

"I don't miss singing", she says of her early career. "All is well when you are at the top of the industry and the gigs are great but then, inevitably, there is a slide. This is the best of both worlds.

"It's physically taxing because I do eight songs a show and it's also a stressful role, because I love it so much.

"I know that if by the end of the night the audience aren't crying or up on their feet then I've definitely done something wrong."

Blood Brothers is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright.

LIZ WEBSTER