A captivating production of the hit musical Evita has brought a touch of Buenos Aires to Bournemouth, 40 years after it first appeared on the West End stage.

Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece has stood the test of time and remains a unique stage show.

This is no average love story, instead tackling tough issues of politics, power and an extraordinary cult of personality.

It opened with the news of the death of Argentina’s First Lady, which cast the nation into mourning, before backtracking to tell of her rise from rags to riches.

Lucy O’Byrne delivered a show-stopping performance in the title role, bringing Eva’s magnetic appeal and star quality to life.

Raised above the chorus, she looked and sounded angelic as she belted out Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.

Taking on a part previously belonging to Elaine Paige and Madonna is a tough call, but she held the audience spellbound and proved herself more than worthy of comparison.

Glenn Carter as the tale’s narrator Che Guevara was also excellent.

Cristina Hoey, as Peron’s spurned lover, also deserves a mention for a splendid rendition of Another Suitcase, after he leaves her.

This was one of the few touching moments in the show. Largely, it is about the Perons’ ambition and domination.

Only when Eva falls ill and dies do we see the Peron power couple as real, human figures.

Grab a ticket while the tour’s in town - you’ll get a theatrical treat and a lesson in modern history too.

Evita is running until Saturday, August 25, 2018