What a life Eva Peron had during her 33 short years. In this re-imagining of the story of Evita directed by Nikolai Foster, Peron is a modern day influencer.
During the opening scenes, as mourners gather, the narrator of the show – Che, played by Tyrone Huntley, appears in the audience and performs a chilling rendition of ‘Oh What A Circus’ referring to a city mourning over the death of an influencer.
Huntley’s smooth and slick performance sees him constantly on the move, amongst the audience, above the audience, scaling the steps to film Eva Peron, and working with the structures on stage, including a platform that rises from the floor.
The more famous Eva becomes, the more intensely she is filmed, with the camera following her around and tracking every movement, including her relationships. This footage is projected onto the wall behind them, showing how intrusive and depersonalising it can be.
Eva Peron, played by Martha Kirby, does not falter in her performance. Her rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina is breathtaking, and Joshie Harriette’s lighting bathes her in an orange glow, making the whole performance mesmerising.
Coupled with the lighting giving a new atmosphere to each scene, the set design, by Michael Taylor, is extraordinary. Looking almost minimalist on first inspection, the set really comes into its own when the audience see the ebb and flow of the stairs, lighting equipment and platform on the stage, and the excellent touch of the ‘traditional’ red tabs lowered with the cast playing in reverse is just genius.
Eva meeets Juan Peron, played by Gary Milner and starts to promote his achievements though her audience. Juan wins his election and the two thrive on the publicity. Milner plays the stoic Peron with passion, without upstaging Eva.
Every scene is fast paced with the choreography breathtaking to watch, working alongside the storyline using the space so well.
The standing ovation last night was well deserved – this was an absolute masterclass in theatre.
Evita is at Curve until Saturday 13 January 2024.
Tickets £10-£51
