Evita

It was far from a circus, but oh what a show – Evita by LMTC you simply enthralled me.

Opening night at the Lamproom with a near capacity audience was a joy to behold.  The publicity build up had been very cleverly managed and this writer was brimming with anticipation – would it live up to the beautifully staged balcony shots?  And whilst I was impressed that the PR Team had managed to transform Barnsley Town Hall into the Casa Rosada would the Production Team be able to transport the audience to 1940s Argentina? And the answer is Yes!

Director Ashley Booker used great creativity in bringing this internationally renowned,  Tony Award winning musical, performed on some of the most impressive stages in the West End and Broadway, to The Lamproom.    The space was cleverly used to maximise the storytelling and the limited opportunities were well-disguised through the use of a stunning single set (including central balcony) with the space actually enhancing the many crowd scenes rather than detracting from the presentation.  Very smart direction.

Pete Lane had not only managed to support, train, cajole the cast into being able to sing the almost non-stop musical numbers throughout the production, but he also had an eight-piece band (playing eleven instruments) fitting tightly on stage – a most impressive feat to match the wonderful sound from the cast.

Dani Sampson’s choreography was beautifully embedded to support the story telling and was also very sharp with dance and rhythmic movement used to create the atmosphere of hot and steamy Latin America.  There was excellent configuration amongst all of the ensemble, but mention should be given Shae Ogley and Tamsin Kendall who performed stunning solo pieces.

The emotional opening set the scene for what was to come, an excellent production which captured the passion, emotion and sadness of this piece of history.  Daniel Wilkinson was a most appropriate Magaldi – he didn’t overplay the singer and was very entertaining.  Shae Ogley as Peron’s discarded mistress sang ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ beautifully - her emotional representation reflecting the abandonment she must have felt.  David Cooper was a strong Peron, well played to represent that despite being the country’s President he fell far behind his wife Eva in the limelight.  Great singing of some difficult songs.

I have thought for the last 40 plus years that at the age of 8 I fell in love with David Essex singing ‘Oh What A Circus’ and I have now realised I actually fell in love with the fictional character Che and Lee Caddick made me fall in love all over again.  Excellent portrayal of the ‘narrator’ of the story, cleverly weaving within the crowd and subtle interaction with the cast to almost ‘be there whilst being slightly removed’.  Caddick played a great Che, with an impressive voice.

And as for the first lady herself?   Eva Peron is a hugely demanding role, barely off stage and transforming from young girl, to mistress, to actress, to (almost) politician, to saint, but Ruth Lockwood was perfect in the role.   She looked, sang, moved and captured the facial expressions beautifully. When she stood on the balcony we were no longer in the auditorium as the audience were now part of the crowd in the famous Plaza de Mayo, in Buenos Aires.  A very impressive Evita with great vocals and acting as well as ‘the look’.  Lockwood should be very proud of the way she embodied the persona of the character and thoroughly entertained in this challenging role.

The ensemble were fully engaged throughout, singing, dancing and moving around the stage with passion and precision.  They all looked great in their period costumes and moved seamlessly from being the descamisados (shirtless ones) to being the middle classes.  Some clever attention had been played to wigs and hair which is important as the audience will be familiar with the iconic images of the time.

The limited props were quickly and efficiently moved around the stage by the cast and there was beautiful lighting to enhance the production.  With a very smart set, costumes, strong sound and lighting this was indeed a welcome return to the stage for LMTC performing a fabulous show set for a great run.  Congratulations to everyone involved.

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