If it's Andrew Lloyd Webber, it's usually good...

The Tony and Laurence Olivier award winning musical Sunset Boulevard, based on the 1950 film of the same name, is one of his most famous works and arguably one of his best.

It follows the story of a prima donna of the silent film era and a young man she manipulates to save her film career.

The tale is beautifully brought to life by two strong actors in the lead roles on the UK tour, which is currently showing at the Marlowe Theatre.

Danny Mac, who became a household name after the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing, plays Joe Gillis, a broke writer desperately seeking a new opportunity in film amongst growing competition.

While fleeing robbers, he stumbles upon a mansion belonging to Norma Desmond, played by Ria Jones, a former silent-screen star wasting away in her own memories who convinces Joe to work with her.

It was clear from the first few minutes of the production that Danny Mac was going to steal the show.

The TV Hollyoaks hunk was clear-cut with a surprisingly elegant singing voice, and he even had the opportunity to show off his famous ballroom skills from the BBC show.

Ria Jones as leading lady was equally polished, convincingly morphing herself more and more into an obsessive, crazed drama queen with every scene.

But special mention must be made to Molly Lynch in the role of love-interest Betty. Her beautiful vocals and chemistry with Mac was so good, I became visibly excited every time she stepped on stage. I hope she has a long musical theatre career ahead of her.

Staging is also a massive feat in this production, with huge, lavish sets that make the audience feel as if they really are on a film set in Los Angeles.

But if there's one thing Andrew Lloyd Webber excels at, it's plotlines, and as someone who had never seen the film, I was gripped to my seat from 7.30pm to 10pm.

DETAILS

Sunset Boulevard the musical runs at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Monday, April 16 to Saturday, April 21. For tickets from £25.25 visit marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.