⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars)

Following the smash hit success of his revival of Sunset Boulevard both in the West End and on Broadway, director Jamie Lloyd’s latest revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita has been much-anticipated. This production does not disappoint, with Lloyd firmly bringing the musical - first staged in 1978 - into the modern day in a youthful, urgent, and sultry production at the London Palladium.

From the moment Rachel Zegler steps onto the stage as Eva Duarte (later to become Perón), it’s clear this isn’t your traditional Evita. Dressed in a black bra and hotpants (replaced by a white bedazzled version in the second act) this Eva is more akin to a pop star of today than a political leader of the 1940s and 50s. Soutra Gilmour’s costume design sees everyone on stage donning Converse trainers with not a character shoe in sight, instead there’s modern streetwear and an ensemble of actors dressed in the blue, white, and gold shades of the Argentinian flag. This is a colour scheme carried throughout the production including in the avalanche of confetti and streamers launched over the stage and audience as well as in the buckets of paint you might just get splashed by if sitting in the front row.

Lloyd’s decision to modernize the production pays off spectacularly. The bleacher-style staging (also designed by Gilmour), handheld microphones, and high-octane choreography by Fabian Aloise transform the Palladium into a concert arena pulsing with energy. The second act’s “Rainbow Tour” becomes a euphoric highlight moment of the show and Lloyd Webber’s score, under the musical direction of Alan Williams, sounds bold and fresh.

Without a doubt, the most talked about aspect of this production has been the staging of “Don't Cry For Me, Argentina”. At the start of the second act, a large screen is added to the set design so the audience inside the theatre can watch a livestream as Zegler performs the number live from the balcony of the Palladium to the hundreds of people who gather each night in the street to watch the performance. The footage of Zegler shown in the auditorium overlays live footage of the crowd themselves as they become extras in the production in an incredibly effective demonstration of Eva's popularity at this stage of her career - it's a powerful moment that, rather than being the gimmick many people were afraid it would be, contributes to the storytelling of the show.

As Eva Perón, Rachel Zegler has far more than just a little touch of star quality: she has great stage presence and sings, acts, and dances fantastically. She is matched by the equally impressive Diego Andres Rodriguez who delivers an intense and captivating performance as Che.

If you think you know Evita, think again. Jamie Lloyd’s production is a dazzling, defiant triumph of a bold revival.

Evita runs at the London Palladium until 6th September 2025.

Tickets are available here: https://ticketing.lwtheatres.co.uk/event/32390