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.
Local News
-
BREAKING: Police confirm six year old missing child in Newport Pagnell, services closed offPolice have confirmed a six year old child is missing from the Newport Pagnell area.
-
Milton Keynes Entrepreneur Wins Gold at the SME National Business AwardsMatt Bowler, MD of MK Scaffolding Specialists and Vantage Event Structures was awarded the Gold Award at Wembley, in recognition for his work with young people and ex-offenders.
-
MK Council to ban dangerous anti-social car cruisingMilton Keynes Council (MKC) is set to ban anti-social car cruising in MK through a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
-
Great Linford Manor Park restoration work to start in early FebruaryInitial work on the ground is due to start on the National Lottery Heritage and National Lottery Community Funded restoration of Great Linford Manor Park.
-
The Zip Yard MK is making ‘joey’ pouches for Australian animal babiesStaff and volunteers will gather at The Zip Yard on Sunday 19 January, in an effort to craft at least 1,000 pouches to send to Australia for animals left orphaned by the continuing bushfire crisis, and need your help!
-
MK Venues Celebrate Independent Music WeekThis January, four Milton Keynes music venues are excited to announce they are taking part in Independent Venue Week 2020.
-
PCC for Thames Valley set to bid for 280 new tasers as part of Home Office fundingThe Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley is set to bid for hundreds of tasers as part of a new fund set up by the Home Office.
-
MK Council calls for MK pupils to become next generation of Eco WarriorsFollowing a successful trial with four primary schools, MK Council is rolling its ‘Eco Warriors’ environmental education scheme out across MK.
Weather
-
Fri8°C
-
Sat5°C
-
Sun
6°C
-
Mon
5°C
-
Tue6°C