Rachel Zegler-Led Evita Reveals Further Casting for Revival at The London Palladium
Further casting has been revealed for the upcoming revival of Evita at The London Palladium, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler will make her highly anticipated UK stage debut in the title role of Eva Perón. The show will run from 14 June to 6 September 2025, with a press night on 27 June.
A Star-Studded Cast
Joining Zegler in the cast is Diego Andres Rodriguez, who will play the pivotal role of Che, a character who narrates Eva’s rise to power and her eventual downfall. Rodriguez is set to make his West End debut after impressing in his Broadway debut as Artie in the Sunset Boulevard production directed by Jamie Lloyd. In this West End production of Evita, Rodriguez brings his exceptional vocal talent and acting chops to the role of Che, further solidifying his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young actors in musical theatre.
Jamie Lloyd has praised Rodriguez, saying, “Before he even graduated, Diego made his professional debut as Artie in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, where he also understudied and played the leading role, Joe Gillis. He is an incredible young actor and a fantastic vocalist. We’re so thrilled he will be making his West End debut in this iconic musical.”
Rodriguez shared his excitement, stating: “I’m beyond thrilled to be making my West End debut in Evita this summer at the historic London Palladium. Being directed by Jamie Lloyd again, working with the Jamie Lloyd Company’s incredible team, and playing Che opposite Rachel Zegler is an opportunity of a lifetime. This is a dream come true!”
An Evolving Vision for Evita
This revival of Evita marks a new chapter in Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed vision for the musical, which first captured audiences in his 2019 outdoor production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Lloyd describes this revival as an evolution of the earlier staging, bringing an even more dynamic and contemporary feel to the classic story of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina, who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful women in the world.
The production is set to explore Eva’s ambition, her relationship with her people, and her unrelenting drive for power, while also delving into the dynamics between Che and Eva—their contrasting views on power, politics, and personal ambition. Zegler, who is widely known for her role in the 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story, brings a fresh perspective to the iconic role of Eva, blending depth and complexity with her outstanding vocal range.
Affordable Ticket Options for Under 30s and Key Workers
In a bid to make this thrilling West End experience more accessible, 5,000 tickets priced at £25 will be available across all levels of the Palladium for under 30s, key workers, and those receiving government benefits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the magic of the West End is open to as many people as possible, regardless of financial background.
Evita in the West End: A Musical Masterpiece
With its timeless score, including such iconic songs as "Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina", "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", and "On This Night of a Thousand Stars", Evita continues to captivate audiences around the world. The musical tells the story of Eva Perón’s life, from her rise as a radio actress to her marriage to Juan Perón and her eventual rise to First Lady of Argentina. The story explores themes of love, power, politics, and sacrifice, offering an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Michael Harrison and Jamie Lloyd are producing this stunning new revival, ensuring that Evita will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. With a visionary cast, a director known for pushing the boundaries of theatre, and unforgettable songs, this production promises to be one of the most memorable shows in the West End.
Tickets for Evita are on sale now, with the 5,000 discounted tickets for under 30s, key workers, and government benefit recipients to be released at a later date.
