ANOTHER Suitcase, Another Hall and another night, another Eva Peron for Blackpool Grand Theatre as Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous musical comes to town.

Blackpool Operatic Players is taking the unusual step of casting two leading ladies in its production of Evita in April.

And one of the lucky ladies to take nightly turns playing the Argentinian icon is 21-year-old Blackpool drama student Nina Beirne, pictured, She told the Citizen: "I'm so honoured to be playing Eva.

"Originally myself and another college student Emma Thomas only went to audition for the chorus and we were absolutely gobsmacked to up end with the lead role.

"The BOP thought it was unfair to give the part of Eva to just one person, so the company suggested double casting it. It is a bit daunting though, Eva is such a tremendous part to play.

"It's very hard work as well as there are eighteen costume changes! And the whole production is so emotional I just burst into tears after our first full run through."

But Nina, who is studying a musical theatre course at Blackpool and The Fylde College, is no stranger to the stage having already taken the lead in amateur productions of Les Miserables, Grease, Rent, Joseph and Jesus Christ Superstar.

She has also been seen in ITV's Coronation Street plus the odd commercial and plans to be even more in the public eye if she can help it.

"I live in Wigan and chose to come to Blackpool to study because it was the only college to run the course I wanted," she said. "I board in Blackpool during the week and go home at weekends.

"This is all I've wanted to do since I started singing at St Patrick's Primary School in Wigan when I was seven."

And has she a favourite song from the torrid tale of an illegitimate girl who rose from poverty-stricken beginnings to become the most prominent political figures in history? "Don't Cry For Me Argentina of course!" said Nina.

Evita runs from Blackpool Operatic Players runs at Blackpool Grand Theatre from April 3-6 with evening and matinee performances. Call the box office on (01253) 290190 for more details and tickets from £11.50.