Evita, Birmingham Hippodrome - review with pictures

The famed Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical tells the real-life story of controversial political and social sweetheart Eva Perón, a Los Toldos resident who rose from poverty to become a stage, radio and film actress before eventually rising to the challenge of being the First Lady of Argentina.

Eva shunned the military and rich bourgeoisie in favour of helping those in need with her tireless campaigning and charitable foundation - or so it would appear - and it is this determination and boldness of character that ensured she would remain a pop culture icon more than half a century after her death.

Madalena Alberto did a superb job of portraying the fiery champion of the people, boasting a stellar vocal range that sent chills down my spine.

With every flick of hair and dazzling smile Madalena had the audience's complete attention. Through songs such as The Actress Hasn't Learned the Lines (You'd Like to Hear) and Buenos Aires, she encapsulated the drive and passion the icon became known for through her powerful voice and choreography, which was both carefree and precise.

She perfectly balanced both the charitable and 'saint'-like aspects of Eva's personality with her at-times questionable personal life - including multiple fleeting relationships from which she greatly benefited and potential money laundering through her charity work - to create a rounded and fully-realised character.

The iconic Don't Cry For Me Argentina, sang from the balcony of the Casa Rosada as Eva addressed the people of Argentina, moved some audience members to tears as Madalena seemed to float gracefully across the intricate set piece in a jaw-dropping white glittering dress.

Her booming vocals delivered the famous lyrics perfectly and made this pivotal scene, filled with the hopes and dreams of the Argentinian public, seem even more special.

Jeremy Secomb, who played Eva's husband and the president of Argentina Juan Perón, also delivered a stunning performance. His deep and rich vocal tones coupled with his stiff military mannerisms created a deep contrast against himself and Eva; highlighting their unlikely and often frowned-upon relationship.

His spine-tingling voice left the audience spell-bound through odes such as A New Argentina which brought the influential leader to life.

Their story was told by Ché, played by Gian Marco Schiaretti, who proved to be a firm favourite of the audience which was left hanging from his every word.

Each song he recited, from High Flying Adored to Santa Evita, demonstrated his faultless vocals effortlessly as well as his dazzling charisma, with every smirk and wink leaving various audience members hot under the collar.

Other stand-out performances came from the likes of Oscar Balmaseda as Eva's first lover Agustín Magaldi, and Juan's mistress played by Christina Hoey. Though both playing small roles, the duo owned the stage during their solo numbers and each earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the show.

The aristocrats and soldiers delivered sizzling dance routines throughout the performance, even incorporating the steps into unique set changes that turned even the most mundane of events into a captivating spectacle.

Detailed costumes and make-up were the finishing touches to this exceptional show, coupled with incredibly comprehensive set pieces that plunged the audience right into the heart of the bustling Buenos Aires.

Eva Perón once said that her 'biggest fear in life is to be forgotten', but her legacy lives on in this remarkable performance of Evita that coupled flawless vocals and exemplary choreography to encapsulate the passion of the powerful figure.