Review: ‘Evita’ Empire Theatre, Liverpool

Maria Eva Duarte’s story is a remarkable one. Four decades on and we still remember the very short life she led, and what a dramatic one it was too. Duarte's remains an icon of pre-war Argentina and the struggle she led its people through to find a new identity.

Born in 1919 to parents who were never married, in fact her father had another family. So when he was killed in a car crash in 1926 when Eva was just 7 years old, he left her, her mother and siblings with nothing more than his name. Perhaps these hard times resulted in the ambition and determination that drove her to make her mark in the world.

An ambitious actress Eva builds her career and in 1943 gets a series on Radio Belgrano, where her image and talent starts to get noticed. Eva is attracted to the powerful men now in charge of Argentina, and starts to think of other, higher ambitions.

In 1944 Eva meets Colonel Peron at a festival after an earthquake destroys most of the Andean city of San Juan. This is of course where most people already familiar with the story can follow easily.

Abigail Jaye takes on the role of Eva with ease. Her voice is strong, but there is also a sweetness to it that balances the character wonderfully. Alongside Earl Carpenter who plays Colonel Peron, these two glide about the stage. A solo number from Sasha Ransley, Peron’s unfortunate mistress (Another Suitcase In Another Hall), stunned everyone with one of Evita’s best songs. Mark Powell cast as narrator Che led us through the show, vocally strong he warmed up to give an impressive performance.

The ensemble cast, strong and full of energy, did seem to fall apart slightly in one number, perhaps first night jitters, but came together again in the second act.

The set, mainly the use of Greek style arches and various stairs to split levels, seemed too clunky and distracting. Too much for what was already happening visually on stage.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi award winning production has been just that for over 30 years. The audience are enticed by its familiar songs and music so this extraordinary story of Eva Peron is still very much alive.

7/10

Evita runs until Saturday 25th June. Contact box office on 0844 499 6677.

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