Cast looking forward to presenting ‘Evita’ at Theatre Royal

Buenos Aires comes to the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds as the Bury St Edmunds Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (BSEAODS) puts on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award winning musical “Evita”, next week.

The musical, which originally started as a rock opera album in 1976, hit the West End in 1978.

It tells the story of the Argentinian First Lady Eva Perón and follows her early life, rise to power and then her death. The original cast included David Essex and launched the career of Elaine Paige during its first run. In 1996, it was then made into a feature film starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.

The musical features the trademark Andrew Lloyd Webber style of songs and lyrics by Tim Rice. It includes well known favourites including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, “Another Suitcase, Another Hall” and “Oh, What a Circus”.

BSEAODS’ leading lady Katie Woodhouse is no stranger to the stage, having played Tracy Lord in “High Society” and more recently, Elsa Schraeder in “The Sound of Music”.

The civil servant from Attleborough will play Eva Perón and she says: “Playing Eva Perón is a huge challenge for me and one that I’m thoroughly enjoying. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play the role of such a strong female character in history and the heartache that pursues her life.”

Joining the Society for the first time as well as performing on a large stage, is Andrew Haines.

The RAF police officer, who is based at Honington, says he was surprised to be offered the role as Juan Perón: “I came to the sing through and auditions in May, with the hope of just getting an opportunity to join the company; presuming if I were lucky enough, I’d get a part in the male chorus. I was absolutely blown away to find out I was cast as Perón. Everybody in the cast and crew has been so supportive of me and I’m having a great time.”

Playing the narrator Che, is Richard Simpson.

The teacher from Elmswell also joins BSEAODS for the first time and he said: “I was overwhelmed by the professionalism and talent I saw when I watched ‘The Sound of Music’, I just knew this was a company I wanted and needed to be a part of. The role of Che is critical as he segments the story together; it’s also been performed by great names such as Ricky Martin. I’m really enjoying my time in rehearsals and so pleased with how welcoming everybody has been.”

This will be the third performance for BSEOADS this year, with “Evita” being on stage on the theatre’s 200th birthday on Friday, October 11 with shows running from October 8 to 12