THANK heavens for that often underestimated invention ... the narrator.

For the uninitiated who have forgotten to gen up on a musical's background, it's a godsend to have someone on stage helping you to keep up with the plot.

And this is one area where Evita certainly isn't lacking - thanks to the superb casting of Christopher Corcoran, the Grand Theatre's latest box office hit is even more of a delight to watch.

As ChM-N Guevara, he brilliantly led us through the rags-to-riches tale of an actress who became First Lady of Argentina - and ensured we were not carried along with the hype which turned her into a saviour among the working class.

In fact his frequent visits to the stage, coupled with comic quips, livened up what would otherwise have been a very sombre production.

Evita itself was nothing short of professional, boasting a superb cast, every member of which turned in a faultless performance.

Marti Webb was at her best as Eva Peron - and it was nice to see how easily she slipped into the role she shone in years ago.

Praise should also be saved for Duncan Smith who ensured the dictator Peron came across exactly as his wife intended; likewise Jayne O'Mahony, whose brief interlude as Peron's mistress was a joy to listen to.

The only quibble is the way the story was left to hang in mid-air - we were simply told Eva's body disappeared for 17 years, with a sly look at Peron, and left to find out for ourselves where it went.

If you can put up with that and leaving the theatre in sombre mood, it's well worth a visit.

Evita runs until June 22, with tickets available from the box office on 28372.

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