Evita

When Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice embarked on their musical 'Evita' on the subject of Eva Peron, it nearly folded before it had started - the Falklands Conflict had just begun and audiences seemed not to have the heart to see a musical about Argentinian dictators - they booed, hissed and walked out of the theatre - so much so that the theatre management had to erect massive signs advising theatregoers that the events in 'Evita' had taked place decades before! No such conflict in Guiseley in 2015!  I give heartfelt congratulations to GAOS for deciding to present this iconic musical. Giles Atkinson (Director) had carefully adapted this large-scale musical for the Guiseley stage, without losing any of the drama or pace of the original. His vision of the piece, along with a magnificent set (courtesy of Jason Beattie,Tom Hughes, Chris Cundell and team) made for a splendid night of pure theatre. The principal players, Eva (Fiona Lane), Peron (Paul Forsberg) and Che (Paul Matthews) were strong both vocally and performed with conviction. Magaldi (David Carr) and Mistress (Harriet Chaplin) also enhanced an excellent line-up of actors. Their mastery of complicated sung passages made the story easy to follow - you had no need to be an expert on Argentinian politics to follow the powerful story.

Ian Sapiro (Musical Director), with his hard-working orchestra, coped with a difficult score - no time to relax in this show, which is sung-through, no dialogue. He brought together some beautiful singing from the ensemble, who all remained focussed and in character throughout. Good Latin-esque dancing came from well-rehearsed dancers, all thanks to the Choreographer, Amy Horton-Atkinson. Costumes, make-up and hair were all authentic for the period and I was impressed with correct footwear, very important! Lighting and sound were of the highest calibre - I appreciate the importance of backstage commitment as well as onstage - a good team effort. I am really pleased that the Really Useful Group, who own the rights to 'Evita', have at last given permission for Amateur companies to tackle one of the most popular of their catalogue musicals - about time, in my opinion, especially when reproduced to this high standard. To quote from Che's opening song -'Oh, what a show' - Fabulous!

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