SHE would have been here like a shot to see it had she heard how Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society stuck to its guns to stage it... The fantastic production of Evita begins a run at the Regent on April 16 – one of only 15 by an amateur group nationally to be given the right.

By Victoria Knowles

SHE would have been here like a shot to see it had she heard how Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society stuck to its guns to stage it...

The fantastic production of Evita begins a run at the Regent on April 16 – one of only 15 by an amateur group nationally to be given the right.

Evita tells the story of Eva Peron from her humble beginnings to her short-lived reign as the most powerful woman in Argentina.

It is the tale of a woman who fought her way to the top only to see the fight end in tragedy, and has captivated audiences world-wide, including Broadway.

Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society publicity manager Shaun Whymark said it was "a real scoop'' to be able to stage the show.

"This is a sought-after play and we are only one of 15 societies nationally to be given the rights to perform it,'' he went on.

"This is a first for East Anglia and the cast has worked very hard. We are planning on having capacity audiences for the week-long run.

"Evita is a great production to be able to perform and it has only now been made available for amateur groups.

"The cast has made a huge effort to get it ready and it has been an enjoyable experience."

The rights to the show are owned by Two Knights Rights Ltd who gave the society permission to perform the show.

The production, sponsored by The Evening Star, promises to be a theatrical feast, with such classic songs as Don't Cry For Me, Argentina and Another Suitcase in Another Hall sure to leave everyone spellbound.

Anyone who has seen the hit film starring Madonna is in for another treat.

The stage version is musically superior. Free from the weight of a film script the emphasis is on the songs. The music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics of Sir Tim Rice are brought to life by a cast drawn from the cream of local talent, including 14 youngsters from the junior section of the society.

Directed by Pat Taplin and with musical direction from Alan Humphreys it is a chance to see a hit West End musical at East Anglian prices.

Evita runs at the Regent from April 16 to April 20. The shows start at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £10 and £12. For more information please call the Regent box office on Ipswich 433100.