Madalena Alberto returns to play title role in tour of EVITA

Madalena Alberto returns to the coveted title role of EVITA, for which she received critical acclaim in the 2014 West End revival at the Dominion Theatre, on 6 December 2017 in Manchester.

Following the smash hit run in the West End, Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece is set to thrill audiences again across the UK and beyond. Portuguese-born Madalena will be taking her unique interpretation around the world in countries such as Luxembourg, Dubai, Croatia, Bulgaria and Italy, as well as major cities in the UK, such as Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Regarding her come back Madalena says: ‘I'm very excited to have the chance to revisit this amazing part. There are only a few roles like this in musical theatre. And I’m amazed at how three years can make a difference as I feel that I’ve grown so much, and have a slightly different view on Eva now. Even the score and words keep surprising me with their brilliance and storytelling. I can’t wait to go back to it with more maturity and a fresh heart.’

EVITA: A look back at the history of the great women who have played the icon

EVITA is currently playing a limited run at the West Ends Phoenix Theatre, it celebrates its 40th Anniversary next year having first opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in 1978. As a celebration of the show, we look back at some of the woman who have played this icon around the world. Click here to book tickets.

Elaine Paige

The original Eva Peron

Patti Lupone 

The Original Eva Peron on Broadway

REVIEW: Evita at the Dominion theatre

Evita returns to the West End stage nearly 36 years after making its debut in London, the production ran from 1978 to 1986 and a Broadway production opening in 1979. The musical was revived in 2006 with . The touring production comes into a newly refurbished Dominion Theatre for a limited run of 55 performances, playing until 1st November. 

The show tells the story of the Argentinian and ‘leader of the people’, Eva Peron (Madalena Alberto). Starting when she is just 15 and going through to her death at 33; it shows her raise to fame, her struggles and battles with illness and her romantic life. 

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score is one of the most iconic in the world, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina has to be up there as one of the most famous musical theatre hits. Although the score sometimes has some strange moments and often shows resemblance to some of the other Rice and Webber shows, its glorious and powerful. The orchestrations are wonderful in this production, beating straight into your heart. Although, it would have been nice for them to have turned up the microphones of the actors because we struggled to hear them for half the show. David Steadman (Musical Director) has really lit a fire under the music, bringing it up to date and filling the huge Dominion Theatre. 

Madalena Alberto | Interview

Madalena has starred as Eva Peron in the UK Tour of EVITA since May 2013, when the production, directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, opened at the New Wimbledon Theatre in London. Her other credits include Fantine in the acclaimed 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables (UK tour & Barbican Theatre), O2 Arena concert of 'Les Miserables', playing the title role in PIAF at the Curve Theatre, in Leicester, Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde (Union Theatre), Lucy in 'The Threepenny Opera' (Lisbon, 2005), Carmen Diaz in 'Fame' (UK Tour, 2007) and Hunyak in 'Chicago' (Kuala Lumpur, 2007). Madalena was part of the original cast of the West End production of 'Zorro the Musical' (Garrick Theatre, 2008), and she had the chance to play the role of Luisa. In Summer 2009 Madalena played the role of Sam in Christopher Hamilton’s new musical 'Over the Threshold' at the Edinburgh Festival, and then in London; and in the Spring 2011 she played Sonia in GODSPELL at the Union Theatre (London). 

The Bird College spotted you and gave you a scholarship to attend their performing arts school when you were younger. As a 17 year old, was that scary? Having to move away from home to study something you hadn’t initially planned on?

Actually, I was still 16 when The Bird college first saw me and invited me to come to England. So I had a year to think about. Although I’m not that there was much to think about. It was an opportunity I couldn't miss and because it all happened so naturally I didn't have any thoughts of being scared. When I was younger I used to come over to England and do a 5 day Easter dance course. And to me that is what is was, a very long 5 day Easter course.