Ben Forster Joins the cast of Evita as Agustin Magaldi

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

ITV's 'Superstar' winner Ben Forster will join the cast of the upcoming West End production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita at the Dominion Theatre which opens on 22 September 2014, following previews from 16 September for a limited run to 1 November 2014.

Forster will play the role of Agustin Magaldi, Eva Peron's first love alongside the previously announced Madalena Alberto as Eva Peron and Marti Pellow as Che. The role was originally played in the West End by Mark Ryan, and was later played by Jimmy Nail in the 1996 film adaptation. The character sings one of the most famous songs from the show - "On This Night of a Thousand Stars".

This production, which is produced by Bill Kenwright, has recently enjoyed a UK national tour. It is directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, and features designs by Matthew Wright.

Evita charts the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, from her humble beginnings through to the extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately led her to be heralded as the 'spiritual leader of the nation'.

The musical features many memorable songs, including 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina', 'On This Night of a Thousand Stars', 'You Must Love Me', and 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall'. The original West End production opened in 1978, following a best selling concept album. It was most recently revived at the Adelphi Theatre in 2006 directed by Michael Grandage, and later transferred to Broadway's Marquis Theatre where it ran for 337 performances.

Ben Forster shot to fame after winning the ITV talent search 'Superstar' in which he won the role of Jesus in Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's earlier musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Forster toured extensively with the revised production, and was supposed to take part in the USA National Stadium tour of the show, which was dramatically cancelled earlier this year.

As a trained performer, Forster's previous credits include the West End productions of 'La Cava' and 'Thriller Live', as well as the 40th Anniversary tour of Richard O'Brien's 'The Rocky Horror Show'. Speaking to the press, Forster said "It is a huge privilege to take on such a fantastic part and in such a brilliant show!"

Full casting for the West End revival is yet to be announced.

Originally published on

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