Featuring classic songs including Don't Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, You Must Love Me and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Evita tells the story of the short but colourful life of Eva Peron who rose from humble beginnings to superstardom.

Eva was born in deepest poverty but left her small village for Buenos Aires as a teenager, where she met Juan Peron, who went on to become the dictator of Argentina.

She was loved my many and seen as a saviour of the poor, while to others she was a front for a deeply repressive, fascistic regime.

When she died from cancer at only 33, many campaigned that she be declared a saint.

And the amazing Rachael Wooding as Argentina's first lady did not disappoint as she dazzled the audience with her astonishing vocals.

The ever-present Che Guevara provided critical and sometimes hilarious comment to all aspects of Eva's life with a realistic performance by Mark Heenehan as Juan Peron.

They were supported by a wonderfully versatile cast which included children from Stagecoach Newcastle.

Evita is at the Theatre Royal until Saturday, July 4. Tickets are £12 to £36 from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or www.theatreroyal.co.uk