Hexham Amateur Stage Society (HASS) is bringing the smash hit rock opera Evita to Hexham’s Queen’s Hall.

The group will perform the musical over five days, starting on Tuesday, November 6.

The worldwide production, famed for its music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is being performed by the Hexham-based society under director Mari Watson.

It features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry for me Argentina, Oh What a Circus and Another Suitcase in Another Hall.

Mari, who is taking charge of her second production for HASS, said: “It’s been a huge challenge for everyone as the show is two hours of singing a total of 28 songs. I’ve never done anything like this before,” she added.

Community participation is key, according to Mari, as 16 local schoolchildren are taking on one of the songs on the big stage.

She said: “It’s great to link in with the local community and to encourage performances from a young age.”

Mari herself has been a member of the society since she was just six years old.

Her first outing was in its 1978 production of Carousel, when she played one of the Snow children.

Despite only having five credited cast members, rehearsals have been non stop for the supporting ensemble since May.

Actor Will Long plays the role of Che, who was played by rock star David Essex in the original West End production back in 1978.

Will said: “When I first found out that we were going to put on Evita I was overwhelmed with excitement.

“This is a musical that grabs you from the first bar to the last, and I can honestly say rehearsals have been a delight.”

The production is a must-see for HASS enthusiasts, following the resounding success of recent performances by the society, which has been entertaining audiences since 1931.

Twelve months ago, the group performed Sister Act before an appreciative audience at the Queen’s Hall.

Evita is showing from Tuesday to Friday next week at 7pm and Saturday, November 10 at 3pm. Tickets are on sale now at the Queen’s Hall box office.