THE MISTRESS of argentina!

Laura Budd has been performing in shows since she was seven. Her first show with AMTC was The Pyjama Game, when she was 15 and only last year undertook the part of the ever-sassy Pilar in Legally Blonde. But, her role as The Mistress, in this year’s Evita, asks something a little different of her…

“The show is brilliant but I am definitely nervous about going on stage in a slinky slip…” she laughs, “talk about exposure… it could be worse though I suppose!” Laura’s role as Juan Peron’s Mistress involves her singing the well-known Evita classic, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’. Her character appears for a short, but sweet, section of the show and is noticeably naïve, lost and lonely. Eva and Juan Peron treat her with little to no respect and she is forced to leave the Peron residence with no idea of what’s to come next. 

So, what makes someone audition for such a role? A role where the character isn’t even given a name, representative of her use to Peron? “I auditioned for the show because I thought it would be something different for me,” Laura says, “It’s a new genre for me and I adore the Mistress’ song, so it was a no brainer!”

Laura is also in the ensemble and says she is most looking forward to performing the big dance numbers, “Buenos Aires has to be my favourite song! It’s a fantastic dance piece, choreographed by some incredibly talented girls!” she says. “The dance routines are challenging and have really stretched my abilities, but I’m absolutely loving it!”

Laura says she has thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsal process but has found learning the alto vocal lines the most challenging part, “The curse of an alto is the lines can sound peculiar on their own but sound incredible with the rest of the ensemble!” she laughs. 

Laura is really looking forward to performing in Evita and hopes the audience will become as involved with the life of Eva Peron as the cast have, “It’s something completely unique and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score is second to none. There are songs that will make you want to dance, and songs that will make you want to ball your eyes out. People should come and see Evita because we’ve got some pretty amazing voices here at AMTC!”

​Evita is on at The Lights between 13th – 16th November (7:30pm) with a matinee on Saturday 16th November (2:30pm).  To book your tickets now go to The Lights Box Office at www.thelights.org.uk or call 01264 368368

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