Rachel Zegler's Evita has officially landed in the West End and the critics have had their say. From five-star raves to a few raised eyebrows, there's a lot to unpack. Read on to see what the reviewers thought.

Evening Standard

The Standard hails Rachel Zegler as "an absolute smash", praising her control, charisma and powerful vocals. The review singles out Jamie Lloyd's direction as thrilling and provocative, with the now-infamous balcony performance described as "a bravura piece of social commentary." While the production strips away tradition, it replaces it with a sharp, modern edge. 

Financial Times

The Financial Times nods to Zegler as "a stunning Eva Peron" who brings both emotional depth and commanding presence to the role. Lloyd's staging is celebrated for its fresh, politically charged atmosphere and sharp focus. However, the intensity of it all means lyrics sometimes get lost. 

The Independent

"A gorgeous sensory overload". The independent praises Zegler for her magnetism and presence. They also applaud the now viral balcony performance, labeling it "the musical-theatre stunt of the century". Lloyd's radical direction is seen as a reinvention that sucessfully merges spectacle with star power, with Zegler more than rising to the challenge. 

"the musical-theatre stunt of the century"

The Guardian 

Zegler is described as "phenomenal", but The Guardian takes issue with the production's overpowering volume and visuals, arguing that it sacrifices the storytelling for aesthetics. Lloyd's staging choices are viewed as bold but distancing, particularly in emotional scenes. While the balcony moment is striking, the overall experience lacks intimacy. 

The Times

The Times give a mixed review: Zegler's voice is praised for its strength and tone, but her performance is called emotionally opaque. The Times also criticised Lloyd's direction, but admires the ambition. 

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