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A CurtainUp 
London Review
London ReviewEvita
by Tim Sealey
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The actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear — Eva
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Marti Pellow as Che and Madalena Alberto as Eva (Photo: Darren Bell) |
Eva Duarte was born into relative poverty in Argentina and the story follows her journey from aspiring actress to first lady and wife of Juan Peron and the beloved 'princess' of the people. The story subsequently follows her debilitating health and the ultimate death of both Eva and the Peron Presidency. All this is helped along by the narrative use of the character of 'Che'. Although resembling Che Guevara, the analysis of this imitation, in my view, should be avoided and 'Che' be regarded simply as the voice of the people.
This is a fitting revival of a classic that succeeds in being both intimate and strikingly showy when it needs to be. There is nothing new or unique here but a warm and high quality version of the musical many will know with the most famous song 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' remaining an excellent score of emotion and ardour. The production starts at a rather slow pace that is seemingly only bolstered with the arrival of Madalena Alberto as Eva. Alberto is fittingly the rock of this show and very much steals the adoration of the audience throughout replicating how Eva managed to capture the hearts of a nation. Alberto has a beautiful voice and doesn't put a foot wrong in what is one of the finest vocal performances on the West End in recent years. Her ability to project such fraught and puzzling emotions in such a vast space is hugely noteworthy.
Marti Pellow is perfectly suited to the role of 'Che' yet at times his presence feels quite incongruous to the overall look and feel of the piece. The narrative use of such a character is understandable but perhaps is now rather dated in its execution. The ensemble is excellent with special mention for Sarah McNicholas and her touching performance of 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall'. Bill Deamer's choreography is first class all devised wonderfully on top of an inspiringly adaptive set design of Matthew Wright.
This is certainly an enjoyable evening for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice fans and a worthy production with the audience full of standing ovations at the end. However this is not one that will play on the mind or instil in one anything of unique regard or lasting memory.
For Lizzie Loveridge's review of Evita in London in 2006 and a full song list go here.
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| Evita
Lyrics by Tim Rice Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright Designed by Matthew Wright Starring: Marti Pellow, Madalena Alberto, Ben Forster, Sarah McNicholas, David Burilin, Joe Maxwell, Callum Fitzgerald, Chris Stoddart, Amira Matthews, Verity Burgess, Olive Robinson, Joe McCourt, Ryan Pidgen, Joseph Connor, Stuart Maciver, Peter McPherson, Christopher Palmer, Jamie Tyler, Joel Elferink, Anthony Ray, Michelle Pentecost, Gemma Atkins, Lizzie Ottley, Michael Cook, Sharon Dunn, Gemma Evans, Jack Hudson, Norman Levy, Tamara Saffir. Lighting: Mark Howett Musical Director: David Steadman Sound: Dan Samson Choreographer: Bill Deamer Running time: Two hours 30 minutes with a 20 minute interval Box Office: 0845 200 7982 Booking to 1st November 2014 Reviewed by Tim Newns based on 22nd September production at the Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ |
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