Scottish Star Marti Pellow Set as 'Che' for UK Tour of EVITA

Following its critically acclaimed run in 2013 EVITA will continue to tour the UK into 2014, opening at New Theatre, Oxford on Wednesday 22 January.

Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva's journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately led her to be heralded as the 'spiritual leader of the nation' by the Argentine people. With more than 20 major awards to its credit, including the Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, Evita features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don't Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall.

Marti Pellow plays Che, a character who reflects the voice of the Argentine people; linked to Eva by destiny he brings conflict to the story of Eva's rise to fame.

As a solo-singer, recording artist, and at the beginning of his career with Wet Wet Wet, Marti Pellow has enjoyed virtually un-rivalled chart success, with over 25 hits and three of the UK's biggest number one singles, including the seminal Love Is All Around. He has performed all over the world, and his West End and Musical Theatre appearances includeThe Witches of Eastwick, Chess, Jekyll & Hyde, Chicago and Blood Brothers. He rejoins the cast of Evita fresh from an arena tour with Wet Wet Wet.

This production introduces a new star, Madalena Alberto, bringing the role of Eva to life to incredible critical acclaim. Madalena's musical theatre credits include the role of Piaf at the Curve Theatre, Leicester, Fantine in the 25th Anniversary production of LES MISERABLES.Other roles include Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde (Union Theatre, London), Carmen Diaz in Fame(UK Tour), Sam in Over the Threshold (Edinburgh and London) and Sonia in Godspell (Union Theatre, London). The Portuguese singer-songwriter also released her album Heart Condition in 2012.

Mark Heenehan reprises his role as Peron. Further casting details to follow.

EVITA - 2014 UK TOUR DATES

Wednesday 22 - Saturday 25 January Box Office: 0844 871 3020

New Theatre, Oxford Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 27 January - Saturday 8 February Box Office: 0844 871 3014

Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 10 - Saturday 15 February Box Office: 0818 719 388

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin Website: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

Monday 17- Saturday 22 February Box Office: 029 2087 8889

New Theatre, Cardiff Website: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Monday 24 - Saturday 29 February Box Office: 08448 11 21 21

Theatre Royal, Newcastle Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Monday 10 - Saturday 15 March Box Office: 01228 633 766

Sands Theatre, Carlisle Website: www.thesandscentre.co.uk

Monday 17 - Saturday 22 March Box Office: 0844 874 3019

Palace Theatre, Manchester Website: www.atgtickets.com

Monday 24 March - Saturday 5 April Box Office: 01227 787 787

Marlow Theatre, Canterbury Website: www.marlowetheatre.com

Monday 8 - Saturday 19 April Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham Website:www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Monday 21 - Saturday 26 April Box Office: 01482 300 300

New Theatre, Hull Website: www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre

Monday 28 April - Saturday 3 May Box Office: 01492 872 000

Venue Cymru, Llandudno Website: www.venuecymru.co.uk

Monday 6 - Saturday 10 May Box Office: 01684 892 277

Festival Theatre, Malvern Website: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

**Monday 12 - Saturday 17 May Box Office: 0844 848 2700

Grand Theatre, Leeds Website: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

**Monday 19 - Saturday 24 May Box Office: 01752 267222

Theatre Royal, Plymouth Website: www.theatreroyal.com

**Monday 27 - Saturday 31 May Box Office: 01494 512 000

Swan Theatre, High Wycombe Website: www.wycombeswan.co.uk

**Monday 2 - Saturday 7 June Box Office: 01322 220000

Orchard Theatre, Dartford Website: www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

** Role of Peron tbc, Mark Heenehan plays Peron until Saturday 10 May