THE life of Lola Montez, the subject of Trestle Touring Theatre Company’s latest production in collaboration with Increpacion Danza, was extraordinary - neither Spanish nor a dancer she convinced the early 19th century world she was both and became infamous around the globe - one of the first to make a career of celebrity, a self-made creation.

No less extraordinary is Trestle’s re-creation of her life - a captivating piece of drama with a powerhouse performance from Georgina Roberts at its centre. Supported brilliantly by Fiona Putnam, playing Lola’s little ‘sister’ Minnie Montez and everyone else who had a part in Lola’s story, Roberts’ performance is beautifully shaded, every nuance perfectly judged as she creates a mesmerising and unforgettable Lola.

The stage teems with vitality and excitement, sorrow and sensuality as Roberts and Putnam re-live with breathtaking physicality the life of Lola Montez from her beginnings as Eliza Gilbert in Ireland and, little by little, the truth of Lola is (perhaps) revealed.

The score, written and performed by renowned flamenco guitarist Ricardo Garcia, provided the perfect counterpoint, his guitar employed to add not just musical accompaniment but ingeniously inventive sound effects.

Sadly for Hereford, Lola played for just one night at The Courtyard - one of the undoubted highlights of a season crammed with interesting drama - but you can catch it at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol on Wednesday, October 1 or at Bath’s Rondo Theatre on Thursday, October 2. For further details click on the link below.