Leicester’s Curve theatre has revealed initial casting for its new Made at Curve production of Evita, which will run 27 November 2023 to 13 January 2024.
Leading the musical as the groundbreaking, glamorous and divisive Eva Perón will be Martha Kirby, whose recent credits include Raven in the UK tour of Bat Out of Hell, Bella Cohen in Rags at the Park Theatre and Sandy in the first UK tour of Curve’s Grease the Musical.
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 Huntley will play the role of Che. Tyrone’s credits include Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, The View UpStairs at Soho Theatre and Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre.
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!”
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical will be directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line), with 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.
Further casting will be announced in due course.
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.”
Accessible performances will be available throughout the run of Evita, including Audio Described performances on Friday 15 December at 7:30pm (with a Touch Tour from 6pm) and Thursday 11 January 2024 at 2:15pm (with a Touch Tour from 12:45pm). The performance on Tuesday 19 December at 7:30pm will be British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted, and performances on Wednesday 20 December at 7:30pm and Thursday 28 December 2:15pm will be Captioned. A Relaxed performance, for those who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, will take place on Saturday 6 January 2024 at 2:15pm. A Dementia Friendly performance, tailored to support audience members living with Dementia, their families, friends and carers, will take place on Wednesday 10 January 2024 at 2:15pm.
