Evita played to packed houses and critical acclaim earlier this year at the Palladium, however there is another Evita currently playing, and this one is called Evita Too.
And no, it is not about Evita Peron, the very famous wife of Argentinian President Juan Peron who died of cancer at the very young age of 33 and who became more famous in death, thanks to the musical titled ‘Evita.’ Evita Too is all about Isabel Martinez de Peron, who served as President of Argentina from 1974-1976 (never heard of her? Yeah, me too).
Through music, song, a bit of dance, and for some strange reason unnecessary full frontal nudity, Sh!t Theatre brings this show about this woman who seems to have been lost to history. Sh!t Theatre consists of Rebecca Biscuit and Louise Mothersole, who have been working together for 15 years and who have performed this show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and several other places.
This show is billed as the greatest story never told of the first ever female president of a country in the history of the world, and this is true, but what is even more unbelievable is that she is still alive (age 94) and living a secluded life in Madrid! Also what is hard to believe is that during her time in power Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice were writing their blockbuster musical about the ‘first’ Evita – wow!
‘Evita Too’ tells Isabel’s story, including the bits where Rebecca and Louise travel to Argentina and Spain (via video and humorous storytelling) in search of the mysterious former President. Puppetry, jokes, a bit of audience participation, and wizards, with direction by Ursula Martinez, tells the story. Us, and the audience, had a good time watching this semi wacky show which has an unserious tone, but what is serious about it is that while this is a fun and good show (and thought provoking – after the show we were astonished to have never heard of Isabel Peron – who was the third wife of Juan Peron – President of Argentina from 1946 to 1955 and 1973-1974). Her story really needs to be told. But what about by theatre professionals with a knack of pulling a show like this together? Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – are you listening?
Evita Too is now playing until 31st Dec 2025
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/sht-theatre-evita-too/