EVITA is one of the most popular and electrifying rock musicals of all time.

Without doubt, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s best known collaborations, it is pure entertainment from beginning to end, brimming with some of the musical world's most memorable and well-loved songs, particularly the standout Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.

Evita is this year’s must-see Kendal Amateur Operatic Society show, an irresistible and exciting production that should pack theatregoers into Kendal Town Hall for its five night run, from Tuesday-Saturday, November 1-5 (7.15pm).

Normally a licence to perform such an iconic show is limited to professional touring companies or schools or youth groups, so KAOS members are pretty chuffed to be given the rare permission to perform the award-winning musical.

The musical is based on real events and follows Eva Peron from her humble beginnings in the slums of Argentina through her meteoric rise, using her beauty and charisma, to the extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status as wife of Argentina’s president. She was adored by her own people and one of the first global celebrities.

For this year's show the society has brought in John Perrin, a highly regarded figure in the region's music circles. The new KAOS musical director has worked hard with the cast on the score which includes some difficult pieces and combines pop and jazz influences, haunting chorus numbers and an exuberant Latin samba beat.

As well as direct the show, highly respected Graham Barker has used his considerable choreography skills to include some rousing dance numbers sure to set feet tapping in the audience.

Centre stage as the charismatic Eva Peron is Jenny Brooks in her first KAOS role. Jenny is an experienced singer and actress with local Gilbert and Sullivan societies and is really excited to be playing such an iconic part. The music is complex and demands a great deal from the lead actress, but apparently Jenny is thoroughly enjoying rising to the challenge.

Meanwhile, another gifted performer Glen Hamner plays Che, essentially the narrator of the show who acts as the voice of the people, but who can see the real 'Evita' behind the image. Glen has played several principal parts for KAOS, most recently as the man in Whistle Down the Wind, another Lloyd Webber show.

Eva’s husband Colonel Peron is played by accomplished local actor Bob Christie, who has taken the lead in many previous KAOS shows, such as The Full Monty and Carousel.

Also in the cast is KAOS newcomer Andrew Thompson, as the seedy nightclub singer Magaldi who is responsible for taking Eva from her small town life to the big city, Buenos Aires. Another KAOS newcomer is local drama student Jamie-Leigh Curry, playing Peron’s mistress, who sings Another Suitcase in Another Hall.

As per usual the main characters are supported superbly by umpteen society stalwarts.

Evita has all the hallmarks of another smash-hit for KAOS.

Performances start at 7.15pm.

Tickets are available from the Brewery Arts Centre Box office on 01539-725133 or www.breweryarts.co.uk.