UK Theatre Network

EVITA @ The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury 18th-30th October


The very first show I ever saw in the West End was Evita many years ago, with Elaine Paige in the title role.  This brilliant show left a lasting impression on my memory and I wondered whether all these years later this touring production would have the same impact?  Happily the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ and producer Bill Kenwright has brought us a spectacular show that perfectly suited the amazing new theatre in Aylesbury.

Evita follows the extraordinary life of Eva Peron, who rose from being a radio actress with humble beginnings, to become the wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron.  Together they formed a powerful alliance, as Eva’s ambitions helped to propel them into the limelight and win the love of the ordinary people.  She worked tirelessly to bring about social change and one of her greatest achievements was to help women gain the right to vote.

The show tells Eva’s story and the title role is played by the wonderfully talented Abigail Jaye.  Her development of the role showing how Eva slept her way to the top to become Argentina’s ‘Spiritual Chief of the Nation’ was perfect.  Everyone knows ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ and she sang this beautifully, with just the right degree of emotion and looked stunning in the gorgeous white sparkling dress.

The relationship between Eva and Peron, played masterfully by Mark Heenehan, showed a real chemistry and emotion between the pair. In the final scenes together when Eva was in her hospital bed and they sang ‘Dice are Rolling’ and ‘You Must Love Me’ the depth of passion, grief and disbelief in her final hours was poignant and very believable.

Abigail Matthews, who played Peron’s Mistress, gave a touching performance as she sung ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, when Eva usurps her to become Peron’s new partner. Her clear diction and lovely soprano voice reverberated around the auditorium and you could feel her vulnerability and uncertainty.

‘On This Night of a Thousand Stars’ is a very amusing song and the character of Magaldi was exuberantly played by Nic Gibney.
The chorus number ‘A New Argentina’ builds up to an energetic and powerful end to the first act.  All the numbers where the soldiers are marching and the ladies are dancing in their lovely gowns, show the  strong juxtaposition of what was happening in the country at the time.

The costumes were all stunning and the attention to detail was excellent.  The sets were also very cleverly designed and filled the space perfectly.

The show runs at the Waterside from 18th-30th October Mon-Sat @ 7.30 p.m.  Matinees Thursday & Saturday 2.30 p.m.  Tickets £12-30.  Box office 0844 871 7607 or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/aylesbury

Evita continues to tour to Switzerland and Germany and full details can be found on www.kenwright.com

Yvonne Delahaye