(French review: cliquez ici)

Lyrics: Tim RICE

Music: Andrew LLOYD WEBBER

Direction: Jamie LLOYD

Starring:

Carl AU, Gabriela BENEDETTI, Bella BROWN, Shakara BROWN, Damian BUHAGIAR, Kyeirah D’MARNI, Nathan Louis FERNAND, Sally FRITH, Deangelo JONES, Lucas KOCH, Aaron Lee LAMBERT, Natasha LEAVER, Michael LIN, Diante LODGE, Louis MACKROOT, Mireia MAMBO, Mia MULLARKEY, Perry O’DEA, James OLIVAS, Alysha SONTAE, Diego Andres RODUIGUEZ, Kirtsty Anne SHAW, Ricardo SPRINGGS, Monia SWAYNE, Jon TSOURAS, Regan Bailey WALKER, Harrison WILDE et Rachel ZEGLER

Children: Auora BRESLIN, Lois HAIDAR, Ffion Rosalie WILLIAMS

London Palladium theatre until 6 september 2025

After an initial success in London lasting several years in 1978 at the Prince Edward Theatre, followed by another in 1996 in Alan Parker’s film adaptation, Evita made a discreet return to the Adelphi in 2006. Finally, in 2019, Evita is being performed at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in a production by Jamie LLOYD. The audience is once again there to see it. This version should have returned to the Barbican if Covid had not decided otherwise. Today, Evita in this latest production returns, even more modernised, to the London Palladium for a limited run (alas…). Covid has not been able to stop Evita, which is just as well, as this show is a phenomenon. Let’s be bold and say it: we have never seen such a success! It is undoubtedly the best show for years to come.

This success is due to many elements that fit together with undeniable intelligence. With Jamie Lloyd’s signature minimalist staging (a complete absence of props), every moment explodes in an incredible way. Every sentence, every sound is used to reinforce the essence of the narrative and the music. It is also important to note that the sound quality has never been so impeccable. The listening experience is flawless. In addition to the sound, there is of course the lighting, which is also superbly crafted. Wherever the lighting comes from, it adds its own touch to magnify each scene. In this way, we witness a series of scenes, each more different, more beautiful and more moving than the last. We are willing to bet that you will cry several times. Take, for example, the balcony scene at the Casa Rosada, which has been so heavily criticised by some (who have probably not seen the show). Apart from the fact that Jamie Lloyd strictly adheres to the fact that Evita is not addressing the middle class she despises but the people on the street, there is an indescribable atmosphere in the theatre during Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Even though Rachel ZEGLER is not seen on stage but on a screen, the surrealism of the scene is disarming. This scene is the highlight of the production. Tears flow in the audience and we must admit, shamefully, that we were even overcome with tremors, such was the immensity of the emotion. The live filming is, like everything else, a magical moment of perfection.

After names such as Elaine Paige, Madonna, Patti LuPone, Antonio BANDERAS and even Ricky Martin, the cast of this production is an avalanche of talent. Rachel ZEGLER’s talent is well established, although here she raises the bar even higher. She alone is a shockwave that glues every spectator to their seat. In her insolence, she is engaging. She electrifies her audience with her voice and her dance moves. We rejoice at the sight of Ché, impetuous and exalted, played by Diego Andres RODRIGUEZ. The man is simply incredible. His high notes are phenomenal and his movements captivating.
As for James OLIVAS, he too throws his talent and charisma in our faces with the contempt of an adulated dictator. It’s clever and powerful. His voice nourishes us. Whether it’s Rachel, Diego or James, each one dominates the stage to the point of making it seem small. Each one captures our soul.

We love it when the harmonies clash in perfect harmony, as is the case with Good Night and Thank You, performed by Rachel ZEGLER and Diego Andres RODRIGUEZ. We cry again when we hear You Must Love Me, which was added to the show after its success in the original musical film.

The costumes have a sexy side that adds beauty to the show. One might think this is irrelevant, but it is not. Jamie Lloyd understood that to talk about death, it was necessary to approach life with all its nuances of colour, the blue of the Argentine flag at the forefront. We also rejoice in the originality of pronouncing the word ‘Argentina’ in Spanish rather than English. This adds a touch of originality and authenticity.

How can we not mention the choreography? Each dance is sensational, embodied. The dance adds wordless lyrics to the songs. Daring to add boxing to a dance, what nerve! All this is set to clever orchestrations. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera draws on Latin influences such as tango and salsa, which blend seamlessly into the score.

This production, in the style of Eva Perón, will remain etched in our memories forever. Jamie Lloyd’s Evita deifies Evita! We now know that perfection exists. An absolute masterpiece!

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TIM RICE and ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER‘s legendary EVITA returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director JAMIE LLOYD.

Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me, EVITA is produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and The Jamie Lloyd Company.

Starring Golden Globe winner RACHEL ZEGLER (Disney’s Snow White, West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) in the iconic role of Eva Perón.

Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul.

EVITA is now playing The London Palladium for 12 weeks only.

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