AG百家乐在线官网

Actress dashes 150 miles to save performance of Evita after leading lady and understudy fall ill

Actress Jessica Daley was given a standing ovation by audiences and praised by one of the musical's writers after her last-minute performance in the demanding role.

Monday 8 January 2024 03:15, UK

BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE..Undated handout photo issued by Curve of actress Jessica Daley receiving a standing ovation after she travelled from her home in Middlesbrough to Curve, a theatre in Leicester, to sing the role of Eva Peron "from the side of the stage" in its 7.30pm performance of Evita on Saturday, after both the lead and cover for the role were unable to perform due to illness. Issue date: Sunday January 7, 2024. PA Photo. Martha Kirby, the original actress for Peron, as well as cover Chumisa Dornford-May, were unable to perform due to illness. Ms Dornford-May has since recovered and will perform at the theatre's show on Sunday. See PA story SOCIAL Theatre . Photo credit should read: Curve/PA Wire ..NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Image: Jessica Daley receiving a standing ovation after stepping into the role of Eva Peron
Why you can trust Sky News

An actress travelled more than 150 miles to ensure a performance of Evita the musical went ahead.

Jessica Daley travelled from her home in Middlesbrough to the Curve theatre in Leicester to step into the starring role of Eva Peron after both the leading lady and her understudy were too unwell to perform.

The theatre had spent the day trying to find a replacement and Ms Daley responded to the call, arriving to sing the demanding role from the side of the stage while the rest of the cast performed.

Luckily, the performer was already familiar with the role, having led the international tour of Evita to "high acclaim" in 2019.

She has also performed in stage versions of Billy Elliot, An Officer And A Gentleman and The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Audiences stood on their feet at the end of Ms Daley's performance, with the theatre sharing a picture of the actress taking a bow.

"She is a diamond - a huge round of applause for Jessica Daley!" the theatre wrote on X.

"@jessicacaca7 joined us this evening to perform as Eva Peron, meaning our production of Evita could go ahead.

Read more entertainment news:
Hollywood actor and two daughters killed in plane crash
Derek Draper, husband of Kate Garraway, dies

"Here she is receiving a well-deserved standing ovation from our loyal and supportive audiences."

One of those who thanked Ms Daley was Sir Tim Rice, who co-wrote the musical about the life of Argentine political leader Eva Peron in 1978.

The hit musical was then turned into a film in 1996 with Madonna in the title role.

Pop star Madonna in the role of Evita Peron and actor Jonathan Pryce as Gen. Juan Peron wave from the balcony of the Casa R osada presidential palace during the filming of Director Alan Parker's "Evita" i n Buenos Aires March 9. Madonna mimed the hit "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from the famous balcony while the song, which she recorded last year, rang out from loudspeakers over the square below. Argentine President-Menem agreed to allow the balcony, where Evita actually spoke, to be used in the
Image: Pop star Madonna in the role of Evita Peron

"Many congratulations Jessica! Just as important, many thanks," Sir Tim wrote.

"Show was going great guns anyway but hats off to all the company supporting your brilliance superbly when 2 terrific Evas were unwell. @Jessicacaca7 @CurveLeicester.

"Friends said it was an unforgettable performance."

Ms Daley replied: "Lord above thank you boss!!! An absolute honour to sing your wonderful words again."