It is the mesmerizing journey of the rise and fall of Eva Perón, Argentina's legendary first lady.

Few musicals of the 20th Century have had as much resonance as Evita, and rarely has an audience at Cromer Pier's Pavilion Theatre been treated to such a spectacle. 

At the heart of the production is the remarkable performance of Eva by Emmie Wright, who flawlessly embodies the charisma, ambition, and vulnerability of the character.

Her voice soars through the theatre with powerful renditions of numbers including Buenos Aires and Don't Cry for Me Argentina.

Gary Clifton excels as Che, the ever-present narrator and sceptical observer of Eva's meteoric rise.

His rendition of And the Money Kept Rolling In is a standout moment, displaying his talent and command of the stage.

Aly Gatfield brings gravitas to the role of Juan Perón, Eva's husband and Argentina's president. But there's also a softer side to his character as shown in his touching duet with Eva, I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You.

Others we get to see shine on stage are Josh Hinds as Magaldi and Gabriella Green as the Mistress, whose respective performances of On This Night Of A Thousand Stars and Another Suitcase in Another Hall are heartstring-tugging standouts of the show. 

Evita is a visual feast with stunning set designs and vibrant costumes that transport the audience to the opulence and grandeur of 1940s Argentina.

The ensemble cast delivers energetic dance numbers and harmonious choruses and is backed by a talented orchestra from a pit just below the theatre's stage.

Directed by Martin Rodwell, the production is of such high quality it's difficult to believe Csods is an amateur theatre group that raises money for good causes, in this case the Cromer Community Fridge. 

It's an outstanding achievement and a show not to be missed.

Runs until June 3. 

Review by Stuart Anderson