Don't cry for her, but Evita won't be returning to London this summer after all. We're sending all our love to the cast of #StageFaves affected.
As the theatre lockdown continues during the coronavirus crisis, the Barbican Centre has announced that its closure will continue until further notice, with all event taking place until 30 June 2020 now cancelled or postponed.
This will include the cancellation of the Open Air Theatre’s transfer of Evita, which had been due to run from 27 June to 22 August 2020. Jamie Lloyd’s award-winning revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical was a sell-out hit in Regent’s Park last summer.
In a statement, the Barbican said:
“To close our building was a poignant moment for us all. We exist to connect people, so we’re still coming to terms with what this means for us as an organisation, as a team, and as a place that welcomes visitors and artists from around the world. We’ll be back as soon as we can and are already looking forward to the moment we can reopen our doors.
“All events taking place until Tuesday 30 June 2020 have now been cancelled or postponed. We’re not sure how long we’re going to need to be closed so we’re taking things day by day, but we’ll be in touch as soon as we know more.”
The Open Air then issued a follow-up confirmation:
"In light of the ongoing situation relating to Covid-19, the Barbican Centre will now be closed until the end of June. We are therefore sad to confirm that the forthcoming production of Evita has been cancelled. All ticket holders will be contacted with regards to refunds, however, as there are a large number of events affected by the venue’s closure, we appreciate your patience.
"We are sorry to disappoint our audiences, but we are working hard to find a way for the production to return to London soon."
The Open Air has already postponed its planned 2020 musical premiere of 101 Dalmations until summer 2021.
