Evita (Redditch Operatic Society)

I always like to quote a lyric, so 'let's hear it for the Rainbow Tour, it's been an incredible success' and I suspect there will be something very similar quoted about this production of Evita by Redditch Operatic Society, it's slick, it's moving and it's thoroughly well received by an enthusiastic audience at the Palace Theatre in Redditch.

Lower class actress Eva Peron (played (now let me try and find the right word) quite exceptionally in every facet by Laura Woodall) fights her way to the top and spiritual leader in 1940s Argentina only to pass away before she can achieve everything she wants to.

Taking us through the story is the narrational role of Che Guevara, Marxist revolutionary and not convinced by the whole 'she is the saviour of our nation' rhetoric, another stunning performance in every way from David Steele.

Evita as Eva is lovingly known by the massed population of Buenos Aires is not averse to stepping on a few people to get what she wants, usually men who are beguiled by her charms and first to be used as a 'stepping stone' is Augustin Magaldi, suave, sophisticated Tango Singer and a pitch perfect performance from Paul Mitchell but, he is just the first of many, as Che will convey, 'goodnight and thank you whoever' to all the others !

Finally managing to become 'surprisingly good' for military leader and soon to be President, Juan Peron (a commanding yet appropriately sensitive performance from Ritchie Smith) her ambitions of national domination are realised, even if the upper classes would sooner see her 'behind the jewellery counter, not in front'.

She has one final hurdle to overcome in the form of Peron's current young companion, she is never given a name other than 'The Mistress' and gets one opportunity to make an impact with the much loved 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall', an impressive vocal from Rhiannon Lee Scott in this role means her brief time on stage will never be forgotten.

Having conquered Argentina why not Europe and Eva embarks on a tour of key nations, she excels in Spain, sadly less so in Italy as the locals liken Peron to Mussolini, France is relatively impressed and she is snubbed by the English (oh the irony as we love this musical). Losing her energy she returns to Argentina and a rapturous welcome only to collapse and the end is not far away.

Many of the songs are recognisable, obviously 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' but, equally 'High Flying Adored' and 'You Must Love Me' all performed to a superb standard under the leadership of Tony Jay - Director, Joe George - Musical Director and Paula Lacey - Choreographer.

There is an extensive supporting cast, too many to mention by name but, they all combine to make this an atmospheric and emotional piece of musical theatre that any theatregoer cannot fail to enjoy. Big shout-out to the children at this performance, Sofia Postolenko, Maria Postolenko, Carina Vallera-Satchwell and Rosie Woolfenden for a touching performance of the number 'Santa Evita'.

Seriously recommend that you get yourself rolling, rolling, rolling down to see this one, you'll regret it if you don't.

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