Evita heads to the Wolverhampton Grand
It took Emma Hatton approximately 0.1 seconds to make a decision when she was asked to play the lead role in Evita. The actress and singer, best known for playing Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked, jumped at the chance to lead the line.
Having starred in major musicals, playing Donna in Dreamboats and Petticoats, she was thrilled to playing the lead in one of the greatest musicals of all.
Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Evita is on the road following its smash hit run at London’s Dominion Theatre. It will reach Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre on Tuesday and play until May 13.
Telling the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status. She is ultimately heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.
Starring two of musical theatre’s most outstanding leading performers; Emma and Gian Marco Schiaretti, who is embarking on his first UK tour having played the title role in Disney’s production of Tarzan, audiences can anticipate a five-star performance.
Evita has more than 20 major awards to its credit and the Oscar-winning film version starred Madonna and Antonio Banderas. It features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall.
Emma has enjoyed picking up the baton and enjoys every performance. It’s one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre. It didn’t take me very long to say yes to that. I’ve never done anything like this before.
“I’d never seen a production of it but had watched the film many years ago. It was nice to come into the project. I knew the bare bones of it and had a grasp of what it was about. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about her story and the Argentinian history but I wasn’t familiar with a lot of it before.”
That knowledge gap proved advantageous to Emma , who was able to originate her character from scratch – rather than trying to imitate another actress’s performance.
“Because I haven’t seen any of the productions, I don’t have anything else to go on. I’m stepping into quite big shoes with the people who have played it before. But it would be detrimental to think too much about what they’ve done. I don’t want to be caught up on others, I’d lose my confidence slightly. By approaching it myself, it’s completely my own take.”
Emma has led a varied career, playing in Dreamboats, We Will Rock You, Wicked and more. Her roles in Wicked and We Will Rock You won her a slew of Award nominations. But she’s enjoyed getting her teeth into a real character, rather than a fictional one.
“I think it’s a very well known show that was very well written and is well loved. To portray a real life character is a privilege and something to be respected. And both vocally and in terms of acting, it’s been a massive challenge. I took the role as much to see whether I could do it or not. I like a challenge. It’s something very different to what I’ve done before. From a performing perspective, it’s important for people to see I’m versatile. Hopefully that will lead to a longer career.”
The responses from theatre audiences up and down the country has been ecstatic. Emma’s been revelling in the joy that her characterisation has bought. “I didn’t realise how loved this show was.
“The audiences have been very full houses and seem to really love the show. You feel that warmth from the show. Long may that last.”
And yet Emma will be keen to do something different at the end of Evita’s present run. While she lives and breathes every moment, she’s tied to the diversity that’s present in her career and relishes taking on different roles. I was the original cast for Dreamboats. I got to work with the writers and worked closely with them on the characterisation and the script. The music of that era was so gorgeous and then moving on to do We Will Rock You, then Wicked, gave me the opportunity to do something different. I enjoy that.
“I think there’s a difference between being in the West End and being on the road. The routine is very different and the discipline has to be a lot stronger on tour because of the travelling and what it takes out of your body. To be on the road, you’re living out of a suitcase and are away from your family. You need more strength of character.
“You’re away from loved ones and your own bed. But you get to go to your beautiful cities and see beautiful theatres. And every part of the UK and Europe has a very different vibe.”
