Evita
Brewhouse Theatre, Burton-on-Trent
Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 April
Extraordinary. I’ve seen Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita on the West End stage, Molli and I have both seen the film, and last night we saw the Little Theatre Company’s youth group’s opening night at the Brewhouse Theatre in Burton on Trent. And guess which one was most enjoyable? This one.
It had the fizz and energy of youth. The cast was very well rehearsed both musically and choreographically. No allowances appeared to have been made for their age (mainly mid and late teens). The result was a mature and enjoyable performance, which really did bring to life the very adult theme of Evita’s ruthless meteoric social climb against a backdrop of macho and cutthroat Argentinian politics. The impact of the singing (which only occasionally wobbled a little) was probably aided by the theatre space where a long, fairly narrow auditorium with well stacked seats magnified the sound. Slick set and costume changes meant that the relatively small stage succeeded in getting away with putting on a mega musical in a restricted environment.
The crowd scenes worked really well in conveying bustle and noise, with lusty singing and plenty of energy and movement. The standard of music was pleasingly and very consistently high with especially good performances by the leads.
Katie Ireland as a younger Evita was ruthless, calculating and sophisticated, ŷet her portrayal of a frail Evita at the end of her life had a great and touching depth. Ireland was ably supported by Jack Dent as a very presidential Juan Peron while Ryan Gardner as Che deftly wove the show together with his delightfully insouciant sung commentary on the rise and fall of Evita’s fortunes.
Special mentions to Georgia Ratcliffe as the usurped mistress (a delightful rendition of Another Suitcase in Another Hall) Oliver Last as Magaldi the cabaret singer, and Emily Haywood as the Child (a beautifully sung Santa Evita).
The biggest coup – to use a political term – was by the backstage staff. Their dedicated rehearsal, support and direction combined with a young, enthusiastic and talented cast produced a winner of a musical production.
Ballet Bichon 