Interview: Don’t Cry For Evita, Long Eaton!
Talking to the EMS Creative Team as Evita comes to Derbyshire
For over a century, Erewash Musical Society (EMS) has been at the heart of Derbyshire’s theatre scene, delighting audiences and nurturing talent since 1895. As the oldest musical theatre society in the region, EMS has built a legacy of storytelling through song, dance, and drama – one that continues to thrive on the stage of The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton.
This March, EMS presents Evita, a powerful musical exploring the rise of Eva Perón, featuring the unforgettable music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. We caught up with members of the creative team about their vision for the production, the magic of live theatre, and the enduring importance of community-led performances.
Welcome to ET, Erewash Musical Society.
Kim: I’m Kim Sparks, co-director of Evita (alongside Beth Yearsley) for Erewash Musical Society.
Nicola: And I’m Nicola Tuxford, the marketing officer for Erewash Musical Society and a member of the ensemble. We’re from Erewash Musical Society, the oldest musical theatre group in Derbyshire.
Where is the show being performed, and why did you choose that venue?
We’re performing at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton. It’s a venue with a rich history, and we’ve been lucky enough to perform there for years. It’s a true legacy of Long Eaton, and we love having such an amazing theatre in our little Derbyshire town.
What can audiences expect from the show?
A fantastic cast with great chemistry, a soundtrack packed with Andrew Lloyd Webber classics, and stunning costumes and scenery.
Kim, what originally drew you to directing this production?
I’m a bit of a history buff, and I love historical musicals. I was already familiar with Eva Perón’s life, her death, and the events that followed, so I was immediately intrigued by the project. Then I listened to the soundtrack and fell in love. I’m a big fan of Tim Rice’s writing, and he certainly doesn’t disappoint with this show. I’m thrilled to be a part of this production.
What’s your favourite element of the show?
Kim: I love its diversity—from big dance numbers to powerful ballads, from emotional highs to lows. While some liberties have been taken with historical accuracy, the show still captures the essence of a remarkable but controversial woman who remains at the heart of Argentina’s history.
What do you hope audiences take away from the performance?
Kim: Ultimately, I hope they enjoy the show and leave having had a positive experience. But on a personal level, I’d love for people to walk away thinking about the real people behind the story.
Nicola: I hope the audience feels proud of our local theatre scene. Being able to stage musicals like Evita in a small town like Long Eaton is such a fantastic opportunity—especially for those who live far from the West End. I love that we’re making quality musical theatre accessible to all.
What’s next after Evita—either for you personally or for the company?
Nicola: We’re really excited to be performing Top Hat next! We love to diversify our productions, so moving from Evita to a big dance musical felt like a natural next step.
Can you describe a moment during the production process that felt particularly magical or transformative?
Kim: At our very first rehearsal, we set the opening number. By the end of that session, we ran the full song, and I was blown away—it felt like our vision was truly coming to life. That same feeling resurfaced recently as we set the final number. I got goosebumps seeing the emotions and storytelling we had crafted together.
Another moment that stood out was during auditions. One performer had been attending our pre-audition preparation evenings, practising and discussing the character with us. He was incredibly nervous and unsure about auditioning. But on the day, he walked in as a completely transformed performer—confident and fully committed. He even learned the audition song on guitar! His dedication and growth were inspiring.
Nicola: For me, the magic happened before rehearsals even started! It was the moment I saw the poster designed by the talented Abbi Oleshko. It was like nothing I’d seen before for this show, and I couldn’t wait to share it. Our audience loved it just as much as I did!
After the final curtain call, will we find you at the bar? Would you like audience members to stay and chat about the show?
Kim: I’m not much of a drinker, but I’ll definitely be at the bar to unwind with the cast. I’d love for people to stay behind and discuss the show—ask questions, share their thoughts. I can talk about Evita for hours!
If you could have any special guest (living or dead) attend the show, who would it be and why?
Kim: Honestly, I’d love for Eva Perón herself to see the production. I’d want to hear the real story from her and, more intriguingly, find out what she thinks about the existence of the show itself.
Nicola: For me, it’s all about seeing my family in the audience. My youngest son will be on stage with me, but my eldest and my husband will be watching on closing night. They always sit in the same spot, so I always know where to find them!
Thank you for talking to us Kim and Nicola. All the very best to everyone at EMS.
Evita plays at The Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton between 4th-8th March 2025. Further information and booking are available here.
An amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.