Evita confirms Rachel Zegler is scheduled to perform as planned after mid-show exit

The Evita production at The London Palladium has confirmed to WhatsOnStage that Rachel Zegler is currently scheduled to perform as planned this evening.

Bella Brown, who also plays The Mistress in the revival, took over from Zegler last night mid-show, performing the second half of Jamie Lloyd’s five-star production.

This included the famed balcony scene that is live-streamed from the first floor of The London Palladium facade, with the performance of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” being Brown’s first number as Eva for the night.

The production has now confirmed that, as it stands, Zegler will be appearing this evening as scheduled.

Due to Brown’s move into the lead role mid-show yesterday, a number of swings had to “split their tracks” – ie appear in different configurations of blocking, vocal performance and choreography, during the second half of their show.

This was, according to the West End Covers social media channel, on top of a number of swings that had performed during yesterday’s matinee performance.

Brown took to Instagram stories last night to celebrate all those who had helped out during the show, saying “Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry!! They are the pillars of a show!! A proud day to be at Evita.” 

Swings, covers and alternates play a vital role in assisting in the event that cast members become indisposed, through ill-health, emergencies or any other manner of hurdle.

Brown is next due to perform as Eva Perón, in a scheduled appearance, on Monday 28 July. Her other set dates are Monday 11 August and Monday 25 August. Zegler is scheduled to appear at all other performances.

Also leading the cast are Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che, and James Olivas as Juan Perón, with Aaron Lee Lambert as Agustín Magaldi. Brown ordinarily plays The Mistress, as well as being the Alternate Eva.