Evita

Evita is a difficult and ambitious show for any amateur company but Kentish Players showed their skill and enormous talent with this production.

The minimal design of the set was well thought out. Lighting was very important, so well done to David Beaumont for his design. Why, oh why is there a need for so much ‘atmospheric smoke’? For me, scenes can be spoilt when you hear the whooshing noise of the smoke machine, only to see the actors on stage disappear in the ensuing smoke screen! 

The show began with black and white news footage setting the scene of a country - 20th century Argentina - in mourning following the death of Evita, Eva Peron. Narration of the story throughout was masterfully achieved by William Moore as Che. He introduced us to the nightclub crooner Magaldi, super smoothly played by Ben Smyth and the young Eva Duarte who is set to go on and dictate the action and ultimately capture the hearts of those around her. Caroline Ferguson in the lead role doesn’t disappoint. She captured the role perfectly as the ambitious young women, who blackmails Magaldi into giving her a new life in Buenos Aires. Caroline’s terrific voice and stage presence was both powerful and tender when it needed to be – a thoroughly compelling performance. Che introduces us to the politically ambitious Colonel Juan Peron (a strong performance by Colin Moss). Peron and Eva meet and they are mutually attracted. Peron becomes president and Eva enjoys the high life as his wife. The chorus numbers reflected the optimism of the people, together with energetic choreography, courtesy of Rebecca Beaumont. The myriad of chorus members who were officers, aristocrats, family or Argentine people were just as important as any of the principals, to give cohesion to this story. Credit must also go to Musical Director, Siobhan Link and Orchestral Conductor, Ian Perry for the excellent musical direction of the cast and orchestra. Costumes were also excellent. I felt for ‘Eva’ with all her quick changes! Director Keith Neville can be proud of the way he presented this ambitious and sometimes difficult show, delivering a thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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