Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton's wonderful book and lyrics.

The story is, somewhat, iconic. In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond (Ria Jones; 42nd Street, Sunset Boulevard), lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis (Danny Mac; Les Miserables, Hollyoaks) is on the run from debt collectors and stumbles into Desmond's reclusive life.

He is persuaded to work on a script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras. Seduced by her life-style, Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to break free with dramatic consequences.

First thing's first - this show is one of the most visually stunning pieces of theatre to grace a touring stage in the last few years. The vast majority of productions can falter based on the way they move the action forwards, however it's apparent that the movement of props and sets has been almost as tightly choreographed as the actors.

Talking of which, this cast had huge boots to fill. Sunset Boulevard is an iconic show which is widely regarded as Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest work and the cast on stage tonight proved exactly why.

All were sensational, slick and well rehearsed but for me the show was stolen by Danny Mac and Ria Jones.

Mac proved he's so much more than the soap actor and reality TV star that some in the audience will know him best as. Having grown up (literally) on the stage in shows including Les Mis and Wicked, Danny's turn as a leading man is exceptional. He has a singing voice that's comparable with (and better than some) of his theatrical contemporaries.

He takes to the role like a duck to water and there's absolutely no faltering as he commands the stage with authority.

However Jones performance, as one of the most talked about characters in musical theatre, is nothing short of astonishing. Joining a growing list of performers who will become synonymous with roles, Jones' take on Norma Desmond will go down in theatrical history as one of the greats.

Portraying a woman descending into madness, it’s reassuring to see the part develop and have an air of realism, rather than Desmond descending into a caricature of herself, as is the temptation.

Jones’ vocal quality soars and it was a mixture of her effortless singing, sharp delivery of lines and seemingly perfectionist mantra that meant Sunset Boulevard continued its run of standing ovations - and not the sort where people stand with trepidation, hoping they won't be the first to get up. 

This ovation saw the audience instinctively rise to their feet and applaud almost as the show ended, and deservedly so.

Sunset Boulevard plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 18th November. For more information or tickets, please visit birminghamhippodrome.com.