This is an astounding show. Extravagant, glossy and filled with some of Lloyd-Webber's greatest work, from the powerful Requiem for Evita to that song, it's a sung-through masterpiece which barely lets you come up for breath.

Seamus Cullen, a former Any Dream Will Do contestant, is a charismatic Che. After landing one of the best male roles in any musical he's probably not cursing his luck at missing out there. He clearly relishes the role and does a great job throughout.

Mark Heenehan is also impressive as Peron, taking over the entire stage with his presence.

But in this musical only one character truly counts and Louise Dearman is a perfect Eva, poised, elegant and utterly believeable.

During the famous balcony scene, as the strings soared and Dearman stood with arms aloft exhalting Don't Cry For Me, Argentina, it's doubful whether there was a spine that wasn't experiencing shivers.

EVITA
THE GRAND
THEATRE, LEEDS
Until August 30
Box office: 0844 848 2700