Hollywood star Rachel Zegler (West Side Story and Snow White) is currently playing Argentinian icon Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s headline-grabbing production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s musical Evita. Part of it is being performed outside on the street right in the heart of the West End, in front of passers-by.
Just like the director’s recent Sunset Boulevard where one character performed the title song walking down the street outside the theatre, this time the biggest number in the show, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, is sung to the public from the London Palladium’s balcony.
Theatre publicist and blogger Aeron Jones has seen thousands of shows across the UK and on Broadway and gave us all the essential things you need to know to enjoy this fantastic and totally free moment.
Scroll down to watch a clip of the moment everyone is talking about.
First and most important – get there early. The crowds on the street are already becoming massive. Plan to be there at least 40 minutes before she performs. On an evening show she performs outside at 9pm so you’re going to want to get there before 8.30pm.
Ideally, you want to arrive before the interval, and you’ll be able to tell because audience members will also be out on the street.
Secondly, figure out where to stand. Zegler delivers the song from the central curved balcony, so check you don’t have a lamppost directly blocking your direct view.
It’s worth noting that you can see from quite far away, so don’t worry about being right at the front.
But how will you know it’s about to start and what should you do while she is performing?
Third – you will know when it is almost time because some of the cast members will come out and take their places down on the street among the crowd.
Fourth – don’t worry about being in the way, security guards will help let you know if you’re standing in the wrong place and there are obvious walkways.
And finally, please remember to be quiet and respectful whilst she’s singing, not only for others around you but also for the audience inside the theatre who are watching it all on a live video relay. There are moments for applause during the performance that will be obvious.
Most importantly of all, of course, enjoy every second of this unique and exciting way to see and be part of something truly special in the London theatre history.
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