EVITA

Malvern Fesitval Theatre

(Bill Kenwright Ltd Productions)

Mark Heenehan & Madalena Alberto

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Evita makes a welcome return to Malvern Theatres this week, opening to a packed house. This pop/rock opera is tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, who journeys from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status, which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

Former Wet, Wet, Wet lead singer, Marti Pellow, clearly the attraction for many audience members, warms into his narrative role of revolutionary, Che, giving a confident performance. Mark Heenehan perfectly reprises his role as Eva’s imposing husband. A wonderfully talented ensemble cast, joined by local children and adults, slickly provide the multitude of other characters, achieving seemingly impossible costume changes at times. Imogen Sharp and Isabella Bangham (alternating performances) sing an enchanting solo, as does Sarah McNicholas in her beautiful rendition of Another Suitcase In Another Hall.

The true star of this show is the awesome, Madalena Alberto, who gives, without doubt, the most authentic and captivating performance of Eva Peron, ever! Her iconic address to the people of Argentina with the song Don’t Cry For Me Argentina is utterly breathtaking with such truth in delivery that it is impossible not to be swept up in the moment. Similarly with the emotive, You Must Love Me. Stunning! Absolutely stunning!

Other great moments include Buenes Aires and The Money Keeps Rolling In, which encapsulate the South American vibe, accompanied by the amazing band, headed by Matthew Loughran.

If you already have tickets to see this show then you are in for a treat! If you don’t have tickets, good luck in getting hold of some. Call the box office now!

Pygmalion

PYGMALION

Malvern Festival Theatre

(MJE Productions, Mark Goucher Ltd and Theatre Royal Bath Productions)

An eloquent revival George Bernard Shaw’s masterpiece, Pygmalion, makes a triumphant appearance at Malvern Theatres this week, as it delights audiences on a national tour. The tale popularised by Lerner and Loewe’s musical, My Fair Lady, explores the idea that how we speak defines our positioning within a class system; a theory championed and executed by phonetics expert, Professor Higgins, following a fortuitous meeting with an esteemed peer and lowly flower girl one wet night in Covent Garden. However, he is not prepared for all of the outcomes resulting from his experiment.

A wonderfully adaptable set, cleverly designed by Jonathan Fensom, is fully utilised by director, David Grindley, who succeeded in presenting a fresh outlook on some iconic characters. Each and every cast member is superb in the role afforded them, no matter how minor for some, and the storytelling is clear and encourages us to care about the lives under scrutiny.

Alistair McGowen’s interpretation of Higgins is that of a petulant child and what he lacks in emotional depth he makes up for in physicality and zeal, while his mother, played by Rula Lenska, is steadfast and true. Charlotte Page, in the guise of Mrs Pearce is a force to be reckoned with, in contrast to Paul Brightwell’s gentle and charming, Colonel Pickering. Jamie Foreman revels in his role as Alfred Doolittle and delivers his scenes with gusto and perfect melodrama. The star of the night though is definitely Rachel Barry who gives an amazingly, engaging performance as the protagonist, Eliza Doolittle transforming from flower girl to socialite and proving to all that she was always a lady. Tea with the Eynsford-Hills is a joyous theatrical moment and shouldn’t be missed.

This is truly deserving of a West End run and is as relevant now as it has ever been.