COMPARING producer John-Paul McCrohon to Lord Alan Sugar might seem bizarre, but both have to back their judgement when it comes to picking leading ladies.

We have yet to see which Apprentice survives the procedure, but the casting of Samantha Kelly in the title role certainly wasn’t a gamble.

In her first leading role she gave a truly stunning performance, matched at every twist and turn by Steve Reading as narrator Che Guevara.

The interaction between them was the highlight, continuously pricking her conscience as she slept her way to virtual sainthood in politically corrupt Argentina.

Danny Owen was appropriately understated as Peron but the pick of the supporting cast was undoubtedly Rebecca North whose solo as the usurped mistress drew welldeserved applause from the sell-out audience.

The basic set, with appropriate costumes and hairstyles, backprojected newsreel and perfect sound, were complemented by Alan Pring’s talented orchestra.

High Flying Adored? Indeed!