Rachel Zegler talks In the Heights auditions, her love for Lin-Manuel Miranda and praise from Andrew Lloyd Webber

Rachel Zegler’s arrival in the West End to lead Jamie Lloyd’s explosive revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita was always going to be an “event.” Lloyd’s original 2019 version was already a critical success, but with the Hollywood star at its centre, it became a cultural phenomenon. Now, following her triumph at The Stage Debut Awards, the actress has reflected on the experience that has cemented her place in London theatre history.

In a chat shortly after her award win, Zegler addressed the astonishing compliment recently paid by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the New York Times, who proclaimed her “probably the most impressive young singer he’s ever seen in his career.”

“This is actually the first time I’m hearing that,” Zegler admitted. “It’s one of those things where I pinch myself constantly because I’ve worked with Stephen Sondheim and now I’ve worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber. The fact that they were such and are such mentors to me… that’s insane and entirely too kind”.

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The defining feature of Lloyd’s production was its bold staging of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” with Zegler performing the song from the actual Palladium balcony overlooking Argyll Street, transforming a theatrical moment into a public spectacle. Headlines by the gallon were written about the moment, with tens of thousands watching across the run.

Despite the crowds, Zegler confessed to a kind of constant disbelief. “I think I was just so shocked that people came every day,” she said. “I would convince myself that nobody was coming, that it was like a fluke”. She recalled the final matinée performance where the waiting crowd stretched down to “the Ikea at Oxford Circus,” an experience she described as “crazy and amazing”.

That said, the intensity of a limited West End run often creates a strong bond among the company, and Zegler described the Evita cast as an “embarrassment of riches.”

“It’s also like devastating when it’s like that because then you do have to move on,” she admitted, but added, “I feel so rich in friendship and in love that I gained backstage in that show. It’s really the most kind-hearted and most hard-working group of people that I’ve ever worked with.” She also gave a shout-out to her co-star, Diego Andres Rodriguez (Che), who was also nominated in her category, jokingly confessing: “I had to say in my speech that I voted for Diego. I just realised I never said it, and I really did. I voted for Diego. A lot.”

Zegler had an unconventional start – gaining film auditions from posting covers on YouTube. Viral moments include her high school performances of Shrek the Musical and a fateful cover of “Breathe” from In the Heights. In fact, that cover led her to audition for the In the Heights film (ultimately she didn’t gain the role, but did go on to star in West Side Story, released the same year). Zegler also states she’s regularly asked to sign Shrek Playbills, despite never having professionally performed in the show.

She insists that performers should “never regret trying,” as her social media presence proved to be a viable “avenue” for her career. She also credited Lin-Manuel Miranda as being “very much the reason I have a career,” having “burst onto the scene at a very vital time for me to see representation”.

Finally, for fans hoping she will return to London after her sold-out concerts at the Palladium this weekend (the set list will reportedly feature hits from across her career, from the musical world and, without giving too much away, some special surprises), Zegler provided a glimmer of hope: “I’d love to… I feel better being here”.

Given the phenomenal response to her debut, the West End will undoubtedly be holding its breath for her return.