Review – Evita – Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells

There are certain productions that remind audiences exactly why local theatre remains such an essential and cherished part of community life, and TWODS’ magnificent production of Evita at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Royal Tunbridge Wells is unquestionably one of them.

From the moment the curtain rises, the Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society delivers a performance filled with confidence, ambition and remarkable theatrical flair. Staged at the impressive Assembly Hall Theatre, this latest production demonstrates once again why TWODS enjoys such a respected reputation after generations of performance.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical is no easy undertaking. Its sweeping score, politically charged narrative and emotionally demanding central roles require stamina, precision and charisma in abundance. Happily, this company rises to the challenge with style to spare.

The production captures the glamour, intensity and tragedy of Eva Perón’s extraordinary rise from poverty to political fame with impressive assurance. The direction, by David Fawcett,  maintains excellent pace throughout, allowing the story to unfold with clarity and emotional power while never losing sight of the spectacle audiences expect from this beloved musical.

Musically, the show is outstanding. The huge orchestra, under the direction of Cormac Dorrian, delivers Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score with richness and energy, balancing the grandeur of the larger ensemble numbers with the tenderness of the more intimate moments. Familiar songs, like “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, are performed with freshness and conviction, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience throughout the show.

Alicia Gould, in the role of Eva, dominates the stage from beginning to end, combining vocal strength with dramatic nuance to create a compelling and deeply human interpretation of the role. Equally impressive is the portrayal of Che, by Matt Hall, whose sharp narration and commanding presence provide both momentum and emotional insight across the production.

The supporting cast, including Tim Taylor as Juan Peron, Ashleigh Acres as his mistress and Mike Thompson as Agustin Magaldi, contributes enormously to the success of the evening. Ensemble scenes are vibrant, disciplined and full of character, creating an atmosphere of authenticity and scale that elevates the entire performance. Elizabeth Witt‘s choreography is slick and imaginative, making excellent use of the Assembly Hall stage and ensuring there is always something visually engaging for the audience to enjoy.

Particular praise must also go to TWODS’ technical team. The lighting design adds real cinematic sweep to the production, moving seamlessly between moments of political grandeur and personal vulnerability. Costumes are elegant and period-appropriate, helping transport the audience to mid-20th-century Argentina while adding glamour and visual richness to every scene.

What makes this production especially memorable, however, is the sheer passion visible from everyone involved. There is a genuine sense of commitment from cast, orchestra, crew and creatives alike, and that enthusiasm proves infectious. The audience responds warmly throughout, recognising the enormous effort and talent that go into bringing such a demanding production to life.

TWODS remains an important part of the cultural fabric of Tunbridge Wells, and productions like this demonstrate precisely why the society continues to thrive after more than a century of entertaining local audiences. Their Evita is polished, emotionally engaging and delivered with a level of professionalism that many West End companies would envy.

In an era when audiences are increasingly spoiled for entertainment choices, this production stands out as a wonderful reminder of the magic that live theatre can create. Ambitious, heartfelt and thoroughly entertaining, TWODS’ Evita leaves the audience uplifted, moved and richly rewarded.

Quite simply, this is community theatre at its very best.

*****   Five Stars