Evita

Victoria Luke as Director has a great cast for this production of Evita. The Lyrics of Tim Rice and music of Andrew Lloyd Webber are in the good hands of Alex Clements as Musical Director. The choreography and movement by Kiri Golding are very good. The whole production is very slick.

The set is minimal with raised steps, the orchestra is placed on both sides of the stage so it creates a centre section for the cast to use. There are several tables and chairs at the front of the stage where the cast sit as though they are in the audience watching and a bar area set to the side. there is also a screen with information and pictures which is a great idea. The costumes are just right, I liked the dark coats being removed to reveal the bright coloured dresses.

Laura Hill takes the role of Eva, her strong vocals are just right for the part. Moving her way up to where she wanted to be using different people along The way. The iconic 'Cry For Me' song was great. I really liked 'You Must Love Me'. Her hand actions and forceful way of singing what Evita wanted to get across to her people was just right, there was also a softer side that was nice to see especially with Peron. I also liked the way there was a pose against the picture of the real Eva, towards the end, a nice touch.

Mike Pavitt as Peron matched Laura in high performance singing and presence, his strong character really came across. I really liked the men's number 'Art of the Possible' with all the men playing a musical chairs game as each one lost and had to leave, the facial expressions were spot on with Peron beeming in the end. They both work very well together.

Toby Vanhaecke plays Che, telling the story and interacting with Eva along the way. Toby has a great voice and characterisation and is very believeable in the part. He is always on stage watching from the bar or mixing in with the cast.

Liam Baker played Magaldi Eva's first boyfriend, a believable night club singer singing “Night of A Thousand Stars” with Guitar in hand. Played the part very well, he sees Eva again later in her career at the Earthquake Concert.

Another nice idea was to have three Mistresses, they each sing a part of 'Another Suitcase' very well, being out their own character Freya Golding, Jo Pawlowska and Jamie-Louise Sim take on the role. The Chorus singing and movement was also very good and a lot of individual characterisation came across. Well done to everyone.

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