Focus Birmingham

by Vidar Hjardeng

Arguably the greatest double act in terms of composing blockbuster musicals in the last 30 odd years, is that of Lord Andrew Lloyd –Webber (music) and Sir Tim Rice (lyrics). Having recently thoroughly enjoyed the audio-described performance of Evita at the Birmingham Hippodrome, I was reminded of their considerable talents. Memorable songs such as Don’t Cry for me Argentina, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, are perhaps the best known in this musical which centres on the Argentine political icon, Eva Peron, the second wife of president Juan Peron. The story deals with her acting career, rise to power, charity work and ultimate demise, and all credit to Rachel Wooding for a superb performance in the title role – no mean feat when you are following in the footsteps of the likes of Elaine Paige and Madonna.

When I arrived at the theatre, along with fellow visually impaired patrons, for the pre-show touch tour at 6 pm, we were met by that evening’s describers, Jonathan Nash and Anne Hornsby and so I knew we’d be in for a superb evening of live commentary courtesy of - in my opinion – 2 of the best in the business, and we certainly weren’t disappointed! The unhurried touch tour took us on to the stage bordered by columns, to see some of the props including political placards and, memorably, Evita’s coffin. What was especially interesting on this touch tour was being taken into the wings to see the amazing number of costumes used in the show. The cast with their very quick costume changes, and their dressers who have to ensure the clothes are set out in a meticulous order, undoubtedly have their work cut out. Evita’s costumes were amazingly stylish and, having the chance to literally get a feel for them made us all appreciate the sheer luxury of the fashionable designer wardrobe of the Argentine’s erstwhile ‘first’ lady.

Taking our seats before the start of the show, Philippa from the front of house team brought us our headsets so that we could listen to Anne and Jonathan as they presented their characteristically comprehensive introductory notes of cast, costumes and set design - which even extended to a description of the images cleverly incorporated into the lettering of the word ‘Evita’ on the gauze screen which shielded the stage before curtain-up. I had seen this stage show many years ago but other than some of the tunes had absolutely no recollection of what really took place onstage – but that, of course, was before the days of audio-description!

The Birmingham Hippodrome’s next audio-described productions will be 2 more musicals, Scrooge, on the evening of Tuesday 27 October, and then the cult Rocky Horror Show on the afternoon of Saturday 7 November and information on tickets, how to book headsets and places on the touch tours, can be obtained from the box office on 0844 3385000.