EVITA
*****
Swansea Grand Theatre
Sat 14 Apr
Shortly after the release of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new memoir, it seems apt that Evita, one of his most famous musicals, is embarking on a UK tour. I was fortunate to catch it at the fantastic Swansea Grand Theatre on the Saturday matinee. For a matinee, the theatre was surprisingly packed, although given Evita’s popularity thanks to songs like Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, this isn’t surprising. That song was especially incredible during the scene where with our protagonist Eva standing high on a balcony in a dazzling iconic white gown, belting her heart out with immense passion. For those who are unfamiliar with Evita, it tells the story of Eva Peron, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 to 1952, and her rise to power.
Eva Peron was played perfectly by Madalena Alberto who has already portrayed the role in the West End, netting a WhatsOnStage Award nomination. Che, played by Gian Marco Schiaretti was also of the same calibre as Alberto, with awe-inspiring vocal ability, particularly in And The Money Kept Rolling In. The ensemble players were also divine, with incredibly slick dancing and vocals.
Beyond that, the set was also a highlight, with grand staircases and magical twinkling lights, reflecting the way Eva was seen as lighting up the lives of the Argentinian people. The set really encapsulated the glitz and glamour of Eva’s life and was highly realistic and well-thought out. The set pieces were fluid, which brought characters to the forefront at times whilst concealing others later in the show. I personally found the show highly moving and gripping, even though I did not know much about the storyline, only a few musical numbers. The acting was stellar, especially during Eva’s decline in health in act 2.
For anyone who missed out on seeing this mesmerising production, Evita will be returning to Wales on the 28th of August to the 1st of September at the Wales Millennium Centre and I would urge you to get a seat to witness this theatrical masterpiece.
words SARAH BOWDIDGE
