American actor Rachel Zegler has lauded her balcony performance in the musical Evita as "amazing" and "innovative".
The 24-year-old made her West End debut in Sir Tim Rice and Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s production in 2025, captivating large outdoor audiences as she sang the show’s most popular number, “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina”, from an external balcony.
"I thought it was the most amazing, innovative thing that’s ever happened. There were more people at closing night outside, than there were sat inside… it went all the way down to the Ikea," Zegler said on BBC One’s The Claudia Winkleman Show.
The performance took place at the London Palladium, located a short distance from the furniture retailer’s Oxford Street branch.
In the production, Zegler starred as Argentine politician Eva Perón, charting her ascent from actor to First Lady and her transformation into a powerful, influential figure.
Her portrayal earned her prizes at both the WhatsOnStage awards and the Stage Debut Awards.
The Independent gave the show five stars, saying that Zegler was “enthralling”.
The star also claimed that her run in Evita set a new record for the longest-standing ovation in the West End.
During her appearance on Winkleman’s talk show, Zegler, who wore a sleek, black strapless zip-up dress accessorised with a gold choker, was joined by comedian Joanne McNally.
McNally quipped: "I too played the London Palladium and broke a record … it was for wine sold.
"Maybe they wanted to stand for me too Rachel, but they couldn’t because they were too pissed."
Zegler first rose to prominence as Maria in the 2021 remake of West Side Story.
She later took on the role of Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation of the 1930s animated classic.
However, her casting as a character described as having a complexion "as white as snow" sparked a social media backlash, given Zegler’s Colombian background.
She has since appeared in several films, including The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, a prequel to The Hunger Games franchise, alongside multiple stage roles.
The Claudia Winkleman Show is scheduled to air on 20 March at 10.40pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Strictly pro defends show’s decision to axe co-stars after brutal ‘cast cull’
West End star opens up on ‘tough 48 hours’ after co-star replaces her
Claudia Winkleman’s talk show is a witty affair with brilliant potential – review
Claudia Winkleman Show impresses viewers - but one element is proving divisive
Hit Channel 4 drama to be adapted for the stage by Russell T Davies
Nathan Lane scathingly responds to Timothee Chalamet’s ‘stupid’ ballet comments
