The powerful and popular west end musical Evita was attention-grabbing from the very first scene where we heard about the death of the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’.

It tells the story of Eva Peron and how she came from humble beginnings to marry the former Argentine dictator Juan Peron.

The attraction was instant and Juan’s original love, played by Sarah O’Connor, was cruelly dismissed from his home and replaced by Eva.

Even though O’Connor didn’t play one of the main parts, her voice was exceptionally elegant and beautiful. Her version of Another Suitcase in Another Hall made the tiny hairs on my arm stand up – it was so clear, sweet and crisp.

That’s not to say that the actress who played the lead role of Eva, Emma Hatton, was not outstanding because she really was out of this world and her rendition of Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina left the audience in awe.

Another fantastic performer in this musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and by Tim Rice, was Gian Marco Schiaretti. This regular concert performer, who played the part of Che, has one of the most expressionistic faces I have seen in musical theatre and his voice is all encompassing.

This was a seamless piece of theatre that had a constant flow of realistic set changes and every single performer was mesmerising with their dance moves and vocals.

There was a high energy vibe to the whole performance and although this felt like a very serious musical, there were still moments of some more light hearted banter.

The best scene by far though was the first one of the second act where Eva came out on the balcony in her white ball gown and once again sang Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina.

The other scene that will now stick in my mind, apart from when a young girl who looked around the age of 10 years old performed a song, is the scene of Eva’s final broadcast. It was dramatic to say the least as she finally succumbed to the cancer that was ravaging her body.

Just before she departed this world, Eva renounced her pursuit of the vice presidency and swore her eternal love to Argentina and then we were back to where the play started with the funeral.

This was an immensely impactful musical that was enjoyed by a mixed crowd and it is obvious why it has been running for so long.

— Kelly Jobanputra