Evita

Zenith Youth Theatre Company’s

Production of
“Evita”

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative

on Wednesday 19 th February 2025
at The Kingswood Theatre, Kingswood School, Bath.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in
question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is
inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.
The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in
particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only
be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms
expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher
standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

On entry the stage was open and set. The orchestra was on stage level facing the performance. The
audience were seated above and behind the musicians. On the stage were metalwork stairs each
side of a central raised balcony which was also an upper exit for cast. This was built over another
curtained exit. At each side of the stage were raised platforms also in metalwork reached by ladders.
These would be the bases for the two narrators of the show. All the stage was coloured in black with
the central balcony block hosting light coloured cloths and above all a golden large ornate sun. I was
very impressed with the staging for the show as we had many different raised levels to see the cast
appear whilst leaving the majority of the stage floor space clear. I was disappointed with the creased
off- white cloths hanging around the balcony area. Once the stage was full of beautiful costumed cast
I felt the hanging cloths did not do the show justice. After speaking with the Director, in the interval, I
learnt that the original concept for the central balcony did not seem to work. So at the last minute a
substitute was conceived. This I understood after many years of set building. But this flaw was not
about to ruin my evening.

Before I mention the leads roles I must comment of the unity of all the chorus work both in song and
dance. I know it can feel as if you haven’t been noticed but I can assure you I try to look at everyone.
You have been taught well both vocally and with movement. You all stayed beautifully in character
whilst on stage and seemed attentive to the action happening there. The background crew have
dressed you so well that it itself can give you confidence to act in period. And I can see that the
makeup support was also busy. All that had been done was giving such a boost to you and the show.
Also you have had the best of tuition in movement on stage. You flowed across the space and
seemed to be at point with the music. Well done everyone. You were a great cast of individuals! Also
I’ll just add a comment on the slightly taller young lads. I’m glad to see that you didn’t feel award as
you all moved with such grace that your height ceased to matter and you just flowed with all the
others. Great job! Also a quick message of support to your choir boy, Ben, whose radio mic
didn’t work. It happens especially on first night but you continued your performance and that is the
right thing to do. You had already done some sterling work in the Act I chorus.
You were all supported by some great musicians. I hope you appreciate just how hard they worked at
that complex score to support all you singers and dancers. “Evita” is not easy theatre and is complex
at times, especially in the score. Yes I would have liked extra strings, for more depth, and the
drumming was excellent. Overall a sincere Thank You for giving such professional support. I couldn’t
see you all but goodness you made yourselves felt!
This show was an ensemble production where everybody was working towards a successful goal. So
I acknowledge the whole cast and crew in a job well done. And now mention just some of the performers in lead roles.

Che.1 & Che. 2 Played so well by Annabel & Tabby Ladies you did such a hard job and made it look
easy. Originally it was a single job for a male but you made it yours! Your own singing voices
complimented each other beautifully and your diction was clear and sharp. You had to deal with loads
of details of information and action which you passed onto the audience in a very efficient way
Magaldi- This difficult role was well played by Adam. On first night to have first solo song was a big task
to undertake. Although a little nervous you did a good job and warmed to the role.
Mistress Of course she was not to know but Tilly would be singing my personal favourite song. I was
not disappointed. If you cannot have “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” then you cherish singing “Another
Suitcase in Another Hall” Your voice, although strong, was gentle enough to bring our the pathos in
the words. Thank you for making my evening so complete Tilly.
Peron. Played by Zach I adored your voice and clear diction. You were a great foil to Eva but didn’t
compete with her voice – merely complimented it. Your solo work was good and I enjoyed your
portrayal
Eva - Finally Eva played with such force and energy by Flo. Well done as you made the role yours!
Gossip tells me you had twenty four costume changes. You made that look easy so I guess you had
your own crew backstage. Your voice was a joy although you should check the nearness of the radio
mic as there were times when your voice was too strong for it. You gave a convincing portrayal and
evoked all the highs and lows of the part. The group were right to allow you to play the role. I hope
you get the chance to play other great roles but you can always be pleased that you give this role
your best.

In conclusion this evening I have seen an amateur production that could put many professional shows
to shame. A cast who were not born when it was first a West End success. They had to learn a
modern history lesson before they could perform! Brilliant!
Thank You Zenith Youth Theatre Company for inviting me to report on your first night of “Evita” and making me feel so welcome.

Kind regards
Bob Allen.

NODA SW District 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen.

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