Evita at the Regent Theatre Stoke Review
Evita
Regent Theatre, Stoke
31 January to 4 February 2017
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Reviewed by Catherine Brown
‘Evita’, a must see show for fans of musicals, is currently being performed at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. Set in late 1940s Argentina, this biographical opera tells the story of how working class actress Eva transforms into a national icon as the wife of the dictator Juan Peron. Originally created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber and later turned into a film starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, this tour is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright.
Star of the show Eva, is first presented by the character Che as a strong-willed teenager desperate for attention. After leaving home to go to seek a better life in Beunos Aires, Eva develops into a promiscuous actress who sleeps her way up the social ladder. At the same time, Colonel Juan Peron is introduced by Che as a character with strong political ambition.
Argentina is in decline and after a major earthquake in 1944 Eva organises a charity event to provide aid to the victims. She meets Peron and hints that her popularity could help him rise to power. They move in together and Eva starts to mix in higher social circles, all the while trying to show the people of Argentina that they can have a better future.
In the 2nd act Peron is elected president and Eva continues to charm the nation. She travels to Europe and uses her glamorous image to promote Peronism with mixed responses. Back in Argentina, the Eva Peron charity is formed although Che hints at possible money laundering. Despite all the fame and attention, Eva’s health is deteriorating demonstrating that money cannot solve every problem.
While all the vocals were strong, Emma Hatton playing Eva Peron was the most captivating performer. I also enjoyed the tenderness of Sarah O’Connor singing ‘Another suitcase in another hall’. Gian Marco Schiaretti as Che got the loudest applause thanks to his smouldering character who constantly questions Eva’s actions and motives.
I found myself mesmerised by this outstanding performance which challenges the view of whether wealth equals happiness. The orchestra did a fantastic job capturing the varying emotions from the passionate dancing through to the dramatic song ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’.
The Regent Theatre is located in the Hanley area of the city with plenty of public car parks nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful and most importantly there were no long queues for the toilet!
Evita is an excellent production and definitely worth seeing again and again.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £49.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Evita is at the Regent Theatre in Stoke until 4 February 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.
Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649
