Review: EVITA, London Palladium

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Here it is, Besties! The review you've all been waiting for! And yes, we will certainly let you know our thoughts on the rather controversial balcony scene -

Evita is currently the talk of the town and after seeing it on its opening night at the iconic London Palladium, we can absolutely see why! With music by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by the brilliant Tim Rice, this production is a theatrical event.

This brand-new adaptation, directed by the visionary Jamie Lloyd and produced by The Jamie Lloyd Company, Michael Harrison and Andrew Lloyd Webber, truly brings Evita into a new era. For those who might not know, Evita actually started as an album, released in 1976, before its triumphant West End debut in 1978 at the Prince Edward Theatre, starring the incomparable Elaine Paige.

First things first: we would highly recommend a quick brush-up on the synopsis and a history refresher before you go. Jamie Lloyd's adaptation is abstract, fast-paced and features a wonderfully minimalistic set – but boy, does it work! It's a bold choice that pays off, allowing the performances and the powerful score to truly shine.

Leading the charge as Eva Perón is the phenomenal Rachel Zegler, making her West End debut with a performance that is nothing short of a tour de force. Her vocals are mighty, her stage presence is undeniable, and she absolutely embodies leading lady material. Diego Andres Rodriguez is formidable as Che. His excellent vocals and more narrative-driven portrayal of the character are simply superb, providing a compelling anchor to Eva's whirlwind journey. And let's talk about the ensemble – top-notch doesn't even begin to cover it! Their high energy, polished execution and slick choreography by Fabian Aloise is vital to the success of this show. They move with precision and passion, filling the minimalist space with dynamic life.

One element that is certainly taken to new heights is the orchestrations. We absolutely adore that the orchestra is on stage, under the masterful direction of Alan Williams. At times, it feels like a rock concert, the next a symphony – it is spine-tingling and adds an incredible layer of raw emotion and power to the entire production.

Beyond the dazzling performances and innovative direction, the seamless magic of Evita is a testament to the incredible teamwork, dedication and professionalism of every single person involved. From the meticulous backstage crew ensuring every cue is perfect, to the welcoming front-of-house staff creating a brilliant atmosphere, and of course, the entire cast and creative team, their collective contribution makes this show a truly unforgettable experience. It's a reminder that theatre is a collaborative art form, and this production exemplifies that spirit beautifully.

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for... the infamous balcony scene. It's been all over social media and some people are, shall we say, "not happy" about it! All we can say is that Jamie Lloyd's take works perfectly. It's haunting, it's chilling and it's just so incredibly clever. It's the quintessential Jamie Lloyd style – blending film and theatre seamlessly, but without ever feeling overdone or gimmicky. It adds a layer of intimacy and grandeur that is truly unforgettable.

This production of Evita is, without a doubt, the show of the summer. We highly, highly recommend you grab your tickets now before they're all gone! You won't want to miss this.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop

Evita plays at London Palladium until 6 September, with tickets available here.