The story is of twin brothers, separated at birth and brought up in contrasting environments. Their paths cross several times over the years, each of them unaware they are related. The truth is eventually revealed with dire consequences.

Richard, who now lives in London, started his dancing tuition at the age of five, training first at the Janet Baker school of dance and subsequently, The Sarah Goffe Theatre School, both based in Linslade. He left home at the tender age of 16 and undertook a three-year musical theatre course at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom.

Since graduating in 1996, Richard, 30, has performed in many productions, including the national tour of Fame and West End productions of Cats, Witches of Eastwick, My Fair Lady, Chicago and Mama Mia. Also to his credit are two seasons at Regents Park Open Air Theatre where he acted in two Shakespeare plays and two musicals, one of which was The Boy Friend where he took the juvenile lead of Tony.

To perform in Blood Brothers fulfils an ambition which goes back to 1991 when Richard saw the show for the first time with his family. His first appearance in the current production at the Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, is tomorrow (Wednesday).

Richard's mum Bridget Fox said: "The family are immensely proud of him."