The highly anticipated 2025 production of Evita has become the definitive theatrical event, largely thanks to the unparalleled creative synergy between acclaimed set and costume designer Soutra Gilmour and visionary theatre director Jamie Lloyd. Their enduring two-decade collaboration has culminated in a show hailed as a ‘pop show fever dream,’ pushing the boundaries of traditional stagecraft and captivating audiences worldwide.
Gilmour and Lloyd’s partnership, which began serendipitously 20 years ago, is characterized by an almost symbiotic understanding. Lloyd, recognizing an emotional connection to Gilmour’s work even before knowing its creator, initiated a bond that solidified into a ‘done deal.’ This intuitive connection forms the bedrock of their collective genius, allowing them to fearlessly experiment and consistently deliver groundbreaking theatrical experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.
The current Evita production, starring Rachel Zegler, has particularly seized public imagination, especially with its iconic ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’ balcony scene at the historic London Palladium. This monumental moment, meticulously orchestrated by Gilmour and Lloyd, transcends mere spectacle, demonstrating their commitment to immersive storytelling and drawing an impressive array of celebrities to witness its impact.
Despite critical perceptions of her sets as ‘minimalist,’ Soutra Gilmour firmly asserts they are anything but. Her designs, far from simple, are intensely dense and brimming with emotion, motion, sound, and cutting-edge technology. Similarly, the costumes, though seemingly straightforward, are engineered for the rigorous demands of eight shows a week, enabling dynamic performances while maintaining their intricate design and practical functionality.
Central to the production’s unique aesthetic is the ‘pop show fever dream’ concept. Gilmour’s set, with its ‘light box’ and glossy, seemingly wonderful surface, deliberately masks a profound underlying menace and sadness, creating a powerful juxtaposition that forces the audience to confront uncomfortable realities within a visually stunning framework. This layered approach is a hallmark of their innovative theatre design.
The creative nucleus of The Jamie Lloyd Company operates with a distinct ‘zinginess’ and rapid pace, a quartet including lighting designer Jon Clark and sound designer Ben Ringham. This dynamic, almost band-like collaboration thrives on immediacy and a fearless embrace of challenges. Their shared ambition to continually move forward, avoiding complacency, ensures their work remains at the forefront of the performing arts.
Jamie Lloyd’s reputation for luring major stars to the stage is well-established, with talents like Nicole Scherzinger and Rachel Zegler adding immense character and an ‘outside story’ that becomes intrinsically woven into the production’s fabric. This directorial style, coupled with Gilmour’s ability to create a ‘playground’ for performance, allows the external narratives of the actors to enrich the core dramaturgy of the show.
Gilmour’s artistic inspiration stems from a diverse range of sources outside the conventional theatre circuit, favoring art exhibitions, architecture, and cityscapes. Growing up amidst London’s vibrant Fitzrovia, she views the city as her creative ‘playground,’ constantly collecting visual information through photography and magazines. This broad artistic intake fuels her innovative theatre design approach, ensuring her work remains fresh and relevant.
Ultimately, Soutra Gilmour’s philosophy centers on design as an invisible, mysterious force that elevates actors and deeply connects with the audience. Her creations are not merely backdrops but portals, facilitating a profound conversation between performers and spectators. This commitment to crafting immersive, emotionally resonant spaces underscores her indelible impact on contemporary West End theatre and the broader performing arts landscape.
