There are some musicals which stand the test of time no matter what; new musicals come and go while there are some which stick around and stand in their own right.
Evita by Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber is a perfect example of this and I went to see the latest production at the Lowry Theatre.
As most of you will know, Evita is based on the life of Eva Peron, a rags to riches story in lemans terms with romance, betrayal and style all thrown in for good measure.
The leading lady; played by the extremely talented Emma Hatton delighted the Salford audience from start to finish, it would be criminal not to mention her truly rousing rendition of the classic 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' complete with balcony arms and beautiful white gown, it was a moment of pure theatre magic and one that will stay in my memory for years.
Helping to tell the story of Eva Peron is Che played by Gian Marco Schiaretti who acts as a kind of narrator, he does a wonderful job in guiding us through the highs and the lows of such a fascinating character and her persuasion on her husband; President Peron played tonight by the understudy, George Arvidson who did a noteworthy job and no one would have known he was the understudy, Arvidson and Hatton had electrifying chemistry and their scene for 'You must love me' made me rather emotional it must be said.
The entire cast did a stellar job, it was fantastic to see students from Stagecoach Chester and Stagecoach Wirral feature in this production playing the Child roles, such amazing young talent which I'm sure we will see again on the big stage very soon, to be honest; the whole production just wowed from start to finish; the attention to detail was inspiring and the set was beautifully fitting with moving light up columns and stairways which proved really effective in submerging you into the drama, this was also helped it must be said by a tremendous 10 piece orchestra which matched the pitch perfect singing which was witnessed tonight.
Directors; Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright have managed to make this well known musical reinvigorated and fresh again and ready for a new generation to enjoy.
Verdict: A triumph, Hatton was born to play Evita!
Reviewer: Max Eden
Reviewed: 14th March 2017
North West End Rating: ★★★★★
