Evita at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review
Evita
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
By Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directors: Bob Thomson and Bill Kenwright
Running time – 2 hours and 15 minutes
14-19 July 2014
Reviewed by Hilary Whates
The beautifully designed Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury is a relatively new venue which opened in October 2010. With plenty of parking all around there is no difficulty accessing the theatre or choosing from a number of places to eat pre-show. As first time visitors we were impressed by our hassle free arrival and once we had our drinks we made our way to the (soon to be completely packed) auditorium, which is modern, stylish and hugely impressive. We were fortunate to have seats in the stalls – and although I am quite small I had an uninterrupted view to the stage.
I hadn’t seen Evita before, not even the film, and worried that I might not follow what was happening. Nothing could have been further from the truth. This is musical theatre of the very highest calibre, delivered with such intensity and passion that I was literally on the edge of my seat (or the edge of tears) pretty much throughout the whole performance. Indeed it is so emotionally powerful I was still weepy in the car driving home! What incredible performances from the cast who totally conveyed the gripping and moving story of the rise to fame and power of Eva Peron.
The story is ‘narrated’ by Che (who is not always portrayed as Che Guevara but is in this production) played by the hugely talented Marti Pellow of Wet, Wet, Wet fame and whose version of ‘Oh What a Circus’ right at the beginning, I found compelling, introducing me to the really fantastic storytelling in all the lyrics of this superb musical. Literally every word counts, with his delivery confirming all the accolades he has received of being a great actor as well as iconic singer.
Eva Peron was truly an inspiring women – clearly intelligent she didn’t allow her poor origins to prevent her from striving to achieve her ambitions. Portrayed with an incredibly believable intensity by Madalena Alberto we are taken through that journey, from Eva’s arrival in Buenos Aires seeking fame as an actress, to her growing success and eventual meeting with Colonel Juan Peron. They are soon living together – the moment when his mistress is ousted being for me one of the most poignant and emotionally charged songs of the night – ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ so hauntingly sung by the wonderful Sarah McNicholas.
I could go on and on picking out individual moments that were just so good – the slightly comedic execution of the ‘removal’ of Peron’s contemporaries; the hugely dramatic earthquake; the incredibly intense hospital scene where Madalena Alberto sings so very passionately that, like the rest of us, she had tears in her eyes and at one point I think, so did Peron – portrayed authoritatively by Andrew C Wadsworth. Then there were the remarkably moving scenes in the ‘church’ with wonderful performances by the students of Youngset in Aylesbury. And not forgetting the very bitchy ensemble who sang and danced throughout so brilliantly. Oh and did I mention the fantastic costumes, extraordinary music and really great stage set? You really didn’t want it to end.
All I can say is if you haven’t got a ticket to see this show already – GET ONE!!! And hats off to the Waterside Theatre for bringing top shows to deepest Buckinghamshire!
We walked back to the car after the show and Mr. T very thoughtfully passed me a handkerchief.
‘Glad you enjoyed it so much’.
‘It was brilliant’, I sobbed…
A great big 5 out of 5 stars for a faultless, brilliant, amazing performance!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £11.90 to £41.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Evita is at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until 19 July. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG
