Initial casting has been announced for Evita at Curve, Leicester.
Martha Kirby (Bat Out of Hell, Rags, Grease) and Tyrone Huntley (Jesus Christ Superstar, The View UpStairs, Dreamgirls) will star as as Eva Perón and Che in Curve’s revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit show.
Speaking about taking on the role, Martha said: “I am extremely excited to be playing Eva Perón at Curve. I’m humbled by the opportunity to discover this iconic role, while working with such an incredible team in the most nurturing environment. It truly is a gift.”
Tyrone said: “I’m delighted finally be returning to the incredible Curve after nearly a decade and as musical theatre goes, there’s no show quite as iconic as Evita, so I really can’t wait to get going!”
As previously announced in February this year, Evita will be directed by Nikolai Foster and run at Curve Leicester this Christmas, playing from 27 November 2023 to 13 January 2024.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“We are thrilled Martha Kirby and Tyrone Huntley are leading our new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magnificent musical. Martha and Tyrone are both rising stars and represent the very best of UK theatre; we are excited to see them set the stage ablaze as they redefine these iconic roles, in this incredible show, for the 21st century. They lead an astonishing company and we look forward to sharing more casting and production news later in the year.”
Evita tells the story of Eva Perón, first lady of Argentina from 1946-1952; from her humble beginnings to the presidential palace and her eventual death. Premiering in 1978, the hit musical includes the classic songs “Buenos Aires”, “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, “Oh What a Circus” and “Don’t Cry for me Argentina”.
Evita will be the third Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to be revived at the venue following The Wizard of Oz last year – which is currently playing at the London Palladium – and Sunset Boulevard.
Also announced today are the creative team joining Foster to bring the acclaimed show to life including set design by Michael Taylor (Billy Elliot the Musical), musical supervision from Stephen Brooker (White Christmas), musical direction from Ben van Tienen (Funny Girl, UK tour) and choreography by World Choreography Award-winning Adam Murray (Rocketman, Cruella, The King’s Man). The production team will also include Costume Designer Edd Lindley (Billy Elliot the Musical), Lighting Designer Joshie Hariette (Cake the Musical), Sound Designer Adam Fisher (The Wizard of Oz), and Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer Sam Cox. Casting is by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG and Olivia Laydon.
