This Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical vaguely based on the life of Eva Peron has long been a favourite of audiences.

And it is easy to see why. With a strong story, plenty of wit, some great songs and a controversial figure at its centre, it is difficult not to be hooked.

But a production cannot rest on its laurels - a good show is not enough and this Bob Thomson and Bill Kenwright directed touring show does not quite meet the mark.

While it is high on physical energy, it is the emotional intensity which is lacking which distances the audience from the action on stage.

At the centre is Rachael Wooding as Eva Peron whose performance is inconsistent. There are moments when she really catches the essence of the character such as the triumphal Rainbow High or the ailing You Must Love Me. But her moment of glory when she is centre stage with Don’t Cry For Me Argentina is a little like watching a concert rehearsal. She is note perfect and sings it beautifully but in doing so she sacrifices any attempt at acting that scene which is so pivotal to our understanding of Rice and Lloyd Webber’s Eva.

Equally Seamus Cullen as Che is a likeable guy but I am unconvinced he actually engages with the audience despite his various asides to us.

At the performance I was watching, there was initially too much volume with the orchestra and singers seeming to vie for our attention which left both Eva and Che shouting their way through the supposedly humorous Goodnight and Thank You.

Carly Bawden’s Mistress is only on stage for a short time but her Another Suitcase in Another Hall is a highlight of the show.

Mark Heenahan plays Eva’s husband Peron as a faceless general who is constantly turning to his wife for confirmation.

They are given more than ample support from a lively cast although it would have been nice to see a bit more Argentinian-inspired dancing in Bill Deamer’s choreography.

* Until October 17.

Rating: 3/5