COMMUNITY THEATRE REVIEW: Evita - The Opera House, Buxton.

 

Community theatre is a wonderful thing, and should be encouraged. Aspiring professionals, committed amateurs, and even those who just fancy having a go, can all come together to work with a team of professional theatre makers to put on a professional standard production at a world class venue! What's not to be applauded?!

Once again, director Paul Kerryson has waved his magic wand, and brought his vision of this epic political story to life on the stage at Buxton's opulent Opera House. His vision however was a minimalist one, with the colour black dominating every scene. A more or less bare stage, save an omnipresent balcony-styled rostra at the rear, all coloured in black, with smaller set items brought on as necessary, mostly black, and a large ensemble dressed in, yes, you've guessed it, black. In fact, any reference to the correct historic period of this show was sadly completely negated by the ensemble's back clothes which were mostly today's fashion. Scarves or pieces of material were added at times, but they needed hats which were not in evidence, and the army wore just a simple brown jacket over the top of their black clothes. The whole was crying out for colour. This came in the form of Eva Peron, who, along with Che, were the only two cast to stay in costume throughout. Although hair styles and make-up were still not of the correct period, except for the famous balcony scene which starts act 2. And sadly no attempt was made to cover some rather obvious female tattoos in the ensemble either. This made for a clash of decades and as such, lessened the historical relevance and the narrative.

The lighting was also minimalist, with the designer liking the use of haze (smoke) so much that it appeared in almost every scene whether it was effective or not. The band, under the direction of Rickey Long, were in fine form this evening, but sadly the sound levels were set far too high. I would have benefitted greatly from earplugs this evening the sound was so high!

None of this however negates the quality and sincerity of the performances. Catherine Pugh's determination to succeed at all costs shone through her portrayal of the titular Eva, whilst the sarcastic and more malevolent side of the political wranglings were brought out nicely by Luke Clayton as Che. Ross Clifton was a suave and unswerving Peron, whilst both Steve Sheppard and Maggie Thompson worked well as Magaldi and Peron's mistress respectively. The overall choral sound was good, and the ensemble was helped with their choreography by a team if six teenage tango dancers.

An interesting and competent, if rather dark interpretation of this classic Lloyd-Webber / Tim Rice score.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall

on - 26.4.24