Evita

Evita

Report:
Date Friday 10 th April 2026
Society: Sidmouth Musical Theatre
Venue: Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth
Type of production: Musical
Director: Angela Davies
Musical Director: Joseph Binmore. Conductor Simon Carter
Choreographer: Vicky Evans
Lighting & Sound: Dave & Emily Tulloch
As seen by Sara Leat, NODA SW District 6 Representative

My immediate impression of this production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita was how powerful
elegance and simplicity can be when used with confidence and precision. Upon entering the
newly refurbished Manor Pavilion in Sidmouth, the audience was met with a bare stage, three
tiered rostras and a screen displaying the iconic Evita logo. The simplicity of the design proved
highly effective, creating a focused visual aesthetic that supported both the storytelling and the
performers.
As the house lights dimmed, the ensemble entered the stage and the lighting began to flicker,
evoking the feeling of watching a black-and-white film from the 1950s. This simple but
imaginative effect immediately established the atmosphere of the piece. Following the
announcement of Eva Perón’s death, the ensemble conveyed a genuine sense of collective grief
and disbelief before launching into the opening Requiem. The harmonies were executed with
precision and emotional depth, clearly showcasing the vocal strength and cohesion of the
ensemble.
The orchestra, cleverly concealed behind a screen at the rear of the stage, achieved a carefully
judged balance between music and voices. This thoughtful arrangement ensured that the
orchestral richness enhanced, rather than overpowered the performers. Particular praise must go
to the sound operator, whose skill and attention to detail ensured clarity and balance throughout,
allowing both orchestra and vocalists to shine.
After such a strong opening, anticipation was high for the introduction of the central characters,
and the production did not disappoint. Che, the ever-present cynical narrator, was portrayed with
remarkable finesse. Rather than relying on overt theatricality, the performance favoured restraint,

giving the character an understated authority that proved highly effective. His vocals were clear
and controlled, guiding the audience confidently through the narrative while adding emotional
weight at key moments. For those less familiar with the historical context, his narration grounded
the story without ever feeling intrusive.
Eva is introduced as a naïve and ambitious young woman, desperate to escape her
circumstances and reach the bright lights of Buenos Aires. This youthful determination was
captured vividly through movement, expression and fearless stage presence. From the outset,
her powerful vocals hinted at the formidable woman Eva would become, immediately
commanding the audience’s attention.
The actor playing Eva delivered a performance of impressive sincerity and depth, charting a
convincing journey from idealistic teenager, to calculating political figure, and finally to a fragile,
dying woman. Vocally, her performance was strong throughout, although on rare occasions some
clarity of diction was slightly lost on the highest notes due to the sheer power of delivery. This did
little, however, to detract from an otherwise outstanding portrayal. By the final moments, her
sensitive performance had moved many in the audience to tears — a truthful and emotionally
resonant interpretation of an iconic role.
Magaldi, though a relatively small role, proved to be a pivotal presence. His portrayal was
delivered with elegance and assurance, bringing a clear sense of purpose to the character.
Vocally polished and expressive, he ensured that Magaldi felt more than simply a plot device,
instead becoming the spark that ignites Eva’s ambition.
The same can be said for the part of the Mistress; although short in duration, the part was
performed gracefully and with compassion leaving the audience with a highly memorable
performance.
Perón’s arrival, with his fellow Officers, brought an immediate shift in authority and tone. This
was a commanding performance, supported by rich and confident vocals that conveyed both
power and charisma. His presence gave weight to the political dimension of the narrative and
made his influence over Eva entirely believable. Together, these performances added depth and
credibility to Eva’s rise and reinforced the dramatic momentum of the production.
The ensemble formed the backbone of the show and worked with confidence and discipline from
the outset. Tight harmonies and assured choreography gave the production a strong foundation,
while the individuality and engagement of each performer ensured the ensemble never faded into
the background. Vocally, they created a rich and well-balanced sound that enhanced the larger
musical numbers while remaining sensitive and supportive in quieter moments.
Choreographically, the movement was simple, polished and delivered with precision. The
effective use of the tiered staging created varied and visually engaging stage pictures.
Transitions were generally smooth, although occasional foot noise during quieter scene changes
slightly disrupted the atmosphere. Nevertheless, the overall commitment to storytelling and
ensemble cohesion was impressive. The seamless relationship between direction and
choreography demonstrated a clear vision and thoughtful collaboration.

The set design remained deliberately minimal throughout, consisting of the tiered rostras, a
screen and occasional furniture. This simplicity allowed the storytelling and performances to take
centre stage. Lighting complemented the design effectively, and while the screen was used well
at salient moments, its potential could perhaps have been explored further.
The costumes were very appropriate of the period and with some clever costumes designs and
stage direction, quick changes were done on stage to support the momentum of the show, very
slick and highly effective.
Overall, this was a powerful, sophisticated, and inspirational production of an iconic musical.
Through disciplined performances, thoughtful direction and a strong sense of ensemble,
this Evita delivered emotional impact without excess — much like Eva Perón herself.

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