Evita at the Wycombe Swan Theatre Review
Evita
Wycombe Swan Theatre,
High Wycombe
27-31 May 2014
Reviewed by Nealy Collins
This was my first visit to the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe and I was looking forward to seeing a production of Evita! When I arrived I was pleased at how accessible the theatre car park was. It was easy to park and also very reasonably priced at £1.50 for the evening.
My friend and I were given a very warm welcome when we arrived inside and I was impressed by the clean, contemporary decor and facilities.
We were served promptly by a friendly member of staff at the bar before we made our way to the auditorium. We were seated at the top of the Circle and although this is right at the back it meant we had a great overall view of the stage and we could see perfectly. I would be really happy to have the same seats again.
Evita tells the life in times of Eva Peron; the Argentinian First Lady that rose from rags to riches, her short life full of highs and lows. The story is full of emotion and there’s an underlying sadness as Eva’s life is short lived.
From the opening scene the stage production was really striking and very effective as the set was rearranged for different scenes throughout. Strobe lightening and sound effects created a dramatic ‘earthquake’ at the beginning of the first half which I found quite intense!
I also really enjoyed the authentic costumes and uptempo dance routines which were pleasantly charming.
As Marti Pellow fans, my friend and I were particularly excited to see him star as Che (the voice of the Argentine). I had quite high expectations for Marti, having known him for his vocal talents in Wet, Wet, Wet and if I’m really honest it took a while for me to warm to him as Che. Towards the end of the second half however there was a moment where he did meet my expectations and show off his vocal talents!
There were beautiful vocals throughout the show and Madelena Alberto played a stunning Eva. She portrayed the emotion of her character really well and I found her performance of ‘You Must Love Me’ particularly moving. Another equally emotional performance was the song ‘Another Suitcase, Another Hall’ by Sarah McNicholas who played Peron’s mistress.
Evita takes you on a journey full of intense emotion with beautiful performances from all members of the cast. I would highly recommend the show to anyone!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £23 to £39 (plus £1.50 booking fee).
Evita is at the Wycombe Swan Theatre until 31 May 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01494 512 000.
Wycombe Swan, St. Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE | Ticket Office 01494 512 000
