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Since Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's caustic portrait of Argentina's Eva Perón was first staged in the West End in 1978, we've become more accustomed to stories of minor celebrities taking on major political roles.
We're also more acquainted with the national political arena being turned into a garish showbiz extravaganza and of normally sane people filling the streets wailing in grief for a woman they've never met.
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The ensemble cast also add depth and colour, especially with their spirited tango moves, which appear in various forms throughout - mournful from the funeral-goers, highly sexualised at the ball where Eva and Juan Perón first meet, even militaristic and aggressive when Perón is asserting his power in the military. But Evita naturally stands or falls on its leading lady - and tiny Argentinian actress Elena Roger is a revelation.
Towered over by Philip Quast (in impressive voice as Perón) she still exudes much more than the 'little bit of star quality' she sings about and dominates centre stage.
© Associated Metro Limited.
