Audacious & sexy, Jamie Lloyd’s production makes you see the musical in a whole new light – even if the plot takes a bit of a backseat in places.
Oh what a circus, oh what a show! Jamie Lloyd’s bold and rock infused take on Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s musical has certainly landed in London in style.
Bringing the story of Evita aka Eva Perón to life, from a radio actress to becoming the first lady of Argentina, there is no doubting this is the most powerful of collaborations between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, with Jamie Lloyd heightening the sense of drama and power of it in his own distinct way – which comes occasionally at the cost of the story.
Right from the get go, there is a real intensity to the emotions displayed thanks to the sheer force (in a good way) of Andrew Lloyd Webber & David Cullen’s orchestrations that blow the audience away – the numbers ‘Requiem’ and ‘A New Argentina’ really stand out in the mind in this regard. This then allows Jamie Lloyd to experiment with a sexier and more rock infused concept that works well to capture the different aspects of Evita’s character and how she was seen by those around her. On a deeper level, the production hones in more on the pitfalls of ambition and fame as well as the power it brings – the way in which ‘Rainbow Tour’ is staged highlights this perfectly.
There is a real moodiness and electrifying energy throughout that is on display throughout – that ensures that the intensity of the emotions being expressed is impossible to resist. Soutra Gilmour’s designs (bearing similarity to the show’s run in Regent’s Park a few years ago – also directed by Lloyd) can come across as a little bit bleak, but her costumes add a bit of colour to ensure that the audience’s attention is caught to the right character in the right time. Credit should also be given to Jon Clark’s effective lighting design that starts with warm colours, before becoming even more stark as the story reaches its conclusion – it is dramatic in its own right as is Fabian Aloise’s exciting choreography.
Perhaps the only thing that is lacking in the production is the fact the story feels a little bit lost and could have been brought forward a bit more – there are moments in which it feels more like a concert than a full production, but it still works to an extent and will potentially draw a new audience to the story who perhaps don’t want to see a musical traditionally told.
But what of the balcony scene for ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ which has already been captured by so many people for social media since preview began? This was one of the most profound and powerful moments in the show and shows how camera work can be used effectively in a musical. I loved the way in which watching it on the screen blended Evita singing out to the crowds, while still being able to see the crowds themselves. It felt real and offered a moment of quiet reflection both inside and outside the theatre – a moment to unite us all in many ways.
Throughout it all, Jamie Lloyd is able to switch the tone to offer a highly emotionally charged spectacle – particularly when you take into consideration the incredible performances on display.
At the centre of it all, it was a real privilege to watch and hear Rachel Zegler’s performance as Evita. She offers real depth and complexity to the character that makes it difficult to take your eyes off her for one moment: the way she highlights the character’s drive, ambition, passion is mesmerising to witness. She is so expressive from start to finish in a way that reveals just how much she has put into making the character her own.
But she is well matched by those around her. In particular, Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che (making his West End debut) offers a fierce and electrifying performance that showcases his talents brilliantly including his ability to tell stories – let’s hope he comes back to the West End again after this run has finished. It would also be remiss of me not to mention Bella Brown as The Mistress, offering a heartbreaking rendition of ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ and James Olivas (Juan Perón) who is strongly charismatic with plenty of chemistry with Zergler’s Evita.
Will this production be for everyone? Perhaps not – but it is still a spectacular fresh take on a classic musical that dazzles from start to finish.
By Emma Clarendon
Evita continues to play at the London Palladium until the 6th September.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️