West End comeback for Evita

Andrew Lloyd Webber today unveiled a brand new production of Evita. The musical's first West End run for two decades will be at the Adelphi Theatre.

Elena Roger, 31, one of Argentina's leading singers and dancers, will make her West End debut as Eva Peron, the charismatic wife of the country's post-war leader Juan Peron. The show will be directed by the Donmar Warehouse's artistic director Michael Grandage.

"It promises to be an exciting summer." said Lord Lloyd-Webber. "I am delighted to welcome Michael and his team to the show, which was the pinnacle of my collaboration with [Sir] Tim Rice."

The new production comes as figures show London's theatres have been playing to the fullest houses since records began 20 years ago. Last year 12.1million customers visited 53 West End theatres, compared with 10.1 million in 1986. They spent about £375million tickets, according to the Society of London Theatre.

Lord Lloyd-Webber and Mr Grandage searched three continents before settling on Roger. She was in Saturday Night Fever, Les Misérables and Beauty And The Beast, and fought off competition from the likes of Denise van Outen for her new role.

Though Eva Peron was never head of state herself, she exercised great power as first lady. She died in 1952 aged only 33, and is still revered by many in Argentina in a similar way to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Evita first opened in 1978. It made stars of Elaine Paige and Patti Lu Pone. The 1996 film version earned Madonna a Golden Globe.

This production will be a rock show rather than a traditional musical, in a bid to attract a younger audience. It features You Must Love Me, the hit song created for the film. Australian Philip Quast, winner of three Laurence Olivier Awards, plays Juan Peron.

Evita opens on 2 June. For tickets, call 0870 895 5598 or visit www.evitathemusical.com.