Evita (Tour – Manchester)

It’s easy to forget that before the reality shows, the shaky sequel to Phantom of the Opera and a few other misses that Andrew Lloyd Webber was churning out the hits. Evita which charts the rise and fall of Eva Peron the first lady of Argentina, is seen as one of his most accomplished works and now the touring version of the recent West End Production is back with mixed results.

The design of this tour cannot be faulted with impressive yet simple set pieces lit in such a way, that each location seems alive and vibrant. It’s slick and polished, however sometimes so much so that it feels a little mechanical. It may be billed as a new tour but in reality the show and cast have been touring the UK and Europe with this for over a year, which may explain why parts of the show (especially Act One) feel a little flat.

The show should rouse the audience, especially in moments like “Buenos Aires” and “A New Argentina”, yet here though it all feels a bit clean and clinical. Luckily by the time that Act Two begins, the show finds its way again and the magic of the show is apparent again and ultimately satisfying and enjoyable.

The cast are also a mixed bag, Abigail Jaye in the role of Eva has a beautiful voice but at times plays her too calculated that it’s hard to feel sympathy for her, however she impresses much more in act two. the weaker Eva becomes. Earl Carpenter as Juan Peron is a class act and sings with real beauty and conviction. Sadly, Mark Powell as Che is the weak link, the role requires fire, passion and even anger but none of that is on display.

Evita will never be a perfect show but it is one of Webber and Rice’s more interesting and complex works. This touring production when it shifts into top gear brings the material alive. But it feels like the right time to let Evita have a rest, so she can find her sparkle again.

– Craig Hepworth