Evita

Watching Rice and Lloyd Webber’s brilliant musical about blonde ambition in Argentina, it initially seems surprising that its songs aren’t tackled more often on TV talent searches. After all, the entire show revolves around Eva Peron’s legendary star quality, so it offers the chance for an actress to truly shine.

However, Abigail Jaye’s immaculate performance in this lavish, slick and atmospheric production is a reminder of the gulf between wannabe and already-is. Not only does she sing, dance and act the role superbly, but she entirely convinces as a political force. At the end of a storming Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, the applauding audience is cast in the role of inspired citizens rather than simply power ballad fans.

Ignore any anti-Lloyd Webber snobbery: this is a musical that has stood the test of time, and its themes are as relevant as ever. Bill Kenwright’s company has made the right decision by not scrimping on a single aspect, from the large cast to Matthew Wright’s grand, sturdy-feeling set and Mark Howett’s sumptuous lighting design.

While fans of the show will not want to miss this tour, newcomers are also well served as the diction is excellent throughout – Mark Powell is refreshingly understated as narrator Che while retaining the charisma that’s so key to the role, and Sasha Ransley brings similar subtlety to the mistress cast out when Eva forms her alliance with Peron.

It’s difficult to find fault with this production - Jaye’s performance alone makes it unmissable for musical lovers but the show’s power goes deeper than your average night out and here it is given a near-perfect interpretation.