Evita
After the unbridled joy that was Mamma Mia, Evita was always going to be a hard act to follow, and any show that starts with a funeral is never going to be a barrel of laughs. It is based on the life of Evita Duarte, a B-picture Argentinian actress who eventually became the wife of Argentinian president Juan Perón, and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina.
Made famous as a rock opera album in 1976 with the title song by Julie Covington, and the original West End cast of Elaine Paige and David Essex, the songs, Don't Cry for me Argentina and Another Suitcase, Another Hall, personified the show until Madonna (in the only decent acting role she has ever undertaken) and Antonio Banderas, made the film a huge success in 1996.
I last saw the touring production in MK about four years ago with Marti Pellow as Che, and I was not enamoured. It is not my favourite musical, but this production seemed much more stylish, and Gian Marco Schiaretti as Che, in particular, was excellent. It obviously feels very much a Lloyd-Webber/Rice collaboration, and parts were reminiscent of both Joseph and Jesus Christ Superstar.
If one is not familiar with the historical and politics of this period, the fact that it is entirely sung and slightly over-amplified makes it more difficult to understand. However, I have yet to see a stronger ensemble. The military scenes were utterly precise; the costuming was absolutely gorgeous and totally authentic, and the best vocal was understated and beautiful - Another suitcase - sung by Perón's mistress (Sarah O'Connor). What Evita (Emma Hatton) lacked in stature, she made up with gutsiness, determination and passion, and Kevin Stephen-Jones as Perón played the role to perfection.. The second half is better - this show grows on you.
Sponsored Stories
Local News
-
Which roads will be closed for the Milton Keynes Marathon on Bank holiday weekend?With the Milton Keynes Marathon returning on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May, a number of roads will be closed.
-
Police appeal for witnesses following a robbery in Milton KeynesThe incident occurred at approximately 10.20pm on Friday 19 April at Briar Hill in Stacey Bushes.
-
Olney retailers unite to raise over £6,000 for Willen Hospice with charity fashion showA charity fashion show hosted by Olney's top fashion retailers has successfully raised over £6,000 for local palliative care charity Willen Hospice.
-
Cranfield University leads UK research sector in new commitment for sustainable practicesCommitting to reduce the environmental impacts of its research activities, Cranfield University has joined organisations in the UK research and innovation sector as a founding signatory to a new agreement on research and innovation practices.
-
New Musical Theatre Saturday School launches in central Milton KeynesArts1, a performing arts school in Milton Keynes, has announced the launch of its latest program, the Arts1 Musical Theatre Saturday School, starting on the 18 May 2024 for kids aged between 4-17.
-
Local restaurant celebrates Love MK Day with unique Pay-What-You-Like lunchMaaya Indian Kitchen & Bar in The Hub is proud to announce its participation in Love MK Day on Thursday 2 May, with a special pay-what-you-like lunch event from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
-
Milton Keynes charity invites multi-faith communities to talk openly about death, dying and griefWillen Hospice, in partnership with Gamiel Yafai, author & award-winning diversity & inclusion strategist, invites the community to an open roundtable discussion event focused on "The Way We Talk About Dying Matters."
-
Milton Keynes theme park hailed a great place to work as it celebrates its 25th birthdayTwo long-serving employees at Gulliver’s Land have praised the theme park’s strong teamwork ethic as it marks its 25th birthday.
-
Man sentenced for child sex offences in Milton KeynesFollowing an investigation by Thames Valley Police a man has been sentenced to over 8 years after being convicted of child sex offences.
-
Milton Keynes Breakers trio win National AwardsJordan Spencer, Chris Tawiah and Buai Luak have all been recognised in the Basketball England end of Season Awards for NBL Division 2 South. The awards are voted by the coaches of opposing teams in the league.
-
Aqua Parcs Milton Keynes launches £3,000 schools competitionAqua Parcs, Willen Lake, which opens on Saturday 4 May, is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative schools competition that is set to ignite the imaginations of young minds across the region.
-
More than 32,000 new homes needed in Milton Keynes by 2040Milton Keynes needs to build more than 32,700 new homes in less than two decades to meet the needs of the city’s 2040 population.
Weather
-
Fri11°C
-
Sat9°C
-
Sun10°C
-
Mon14°C
-
Tue
17°C
- How To Listen To MKFM
- MKFM and GDPR Data Regulation
- Contact Us
- Complaints Procedure
- Competition Terms and Conditions
© 2020 MKFM Limited - Radio Made In Milton Keynes. Powered by Aiir.