Evita

Runway always has a good following, and this show must have broken all records in that respect, with “House Full” notices up six weeks before the first performance. It was also memorable in that many ladies in the chorus had been leading ladies in other shows, for Runway and other West of Scotland Clubs. In the auditioning battle to play Eva Peron, the honours were shared by Jennifer Hardie and Caroline Telfer, playing alternate performances (it was Jennifer’s excellent portrayal that I saw). The ensemble of 20 as mentioned was augmented by a further twelve dancers and six children, including in the ranks some siblings and offspring of others in the cast who were new to Runway’s ranks, one providing ecclesiastical expertise at one point. They all worked hard and the precision in the choreography suggested much practise had taken place. David’s orchestrations included a certain amount of clik-trak but worked well at the performance I saw. J.Campbell Kerr was a suitably politician-like Peron, his Mistress, Christina Rose Leon’s rendition of “Another Suitcase” beautifully sung. More excellent singing from Tom Russell as Magaldi, cast aside as Eva’s career expanded, and a well executed performance from Johnny Collins as Ché, carrying us through the various facets of the rise of Evita. A very emotional performance all round, emphasising the skills in the cast of this club, faithful to its south side of Glasgow roots, and utilising the slightly limited facilities at Eastwood to the full. This show certainly lived up to the hype which preceded it, excellent in all its facets, and yet another feather in its cap.

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