What’s it all about?
The clue’s in the name. This musical charts the tale of Eva Perón, who rose from anonymity in rural Argentina to become an actress, First Lady of Argentina and one of the most inspirational women in the history of South America.
The production, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, begins as an entire country mourns her death. The show then takes audiences back to the origins of her incredible journey to the poverty-stricken village she flees in order to pursue a career in acting, before proceeding through her married and political life, ending where the musical began, with her untimely death at the age of 33.
Who’s in it?
Madalena Alberto shines like one of the jewels in her iconic white gown as she belts out renditions of the show’s most legendary musical showpieces. From charismatic determination in her fight for labour rights to insurmountable heartbreak as she begins losing her battle with cancer, her portrayal of the title character undoubtedly forms the centrepiece of the show.
Alongside Alberto’s mesmerising performance as Evita, Marti Pellow provides an intimidating presence as Che, loitering in every scene with a resolute stature, determined to put an end to the Peróns’ power.
Credit should also be given to the show’s ensemble, which brings Bill Deamer’s nifty choreography to life with heaps of vigour.
What should I look out for?
The same thing everyone looks out for when they go to a performance of Evita, the legendary Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, which lives up the reputation of previous productions in the hands of Alberto.
In a nutshell?
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classics are performed with such spine-tingling power that you feel it in your fingers, you feel it in your toes…
Who was in the press night crowd?
You could have mistaken the Dominion Theatre for an east London curry house last night with its plentiful helpings of Spice and Rice in the audience. Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm, the show’s lyricist Tim Rice and presenter Anneka Rice were all in attendance along with the completely un-curry related Roy Hodgson, who for once wasn’t needed for a half-time pep talk and was instead seen giving in to the endless demands for audience selfies in the interval.
What’s being said on Twitter?
@Rob_Copeland I really enjoyed Evita last night, @MadalenaAlberto was just incredible, and @thebenforster was superb as Magaldi. Well done to all.
@AndrewLancelL Evita at Dominion. Outstanding. So moving. Go see. @BKL_Productions #evitalondon
Will I like it?
Fans of musical theatre will no doubt already know where their opinions of this Olivier Award-winning musical lie. The Rice and Lloyd Webber hit has, after all, been seen in numerous reincarnations in the West End, worldwide and even on film since its premiere in 1978. Those wondering whether it lives up to its predecessors should head to the Dominion Theatre expecting a simple but effective design and a generous handful of knock-out performances courtesy of Alberto and the cast.
Evita is playing a limited season until 1 November at the Dominion Theatre. You can book tickets through us.