Eva Phillips grew up in Swanmore before moving to London to train at The Urdang Academy, where she graduated with a First Class Degree in Professional Dance & Musical Theatre.
She now returns to Southampton with the first ever UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical Hamilton, playing from Tuesday 18 March until Saturday 26 April 2025.
We caught up with Eva to find out more about her role in the hit musical.
“I have really fond memories of visiting Mayflower Theatre when I was younger. One of my earliest memories is watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with my family. I think it was one of the first musicals I’d seen, and I had so much fun. I don’t know if it was the flying car, or the chocolate ice cream in the interval, but I was sold.”
When asked about her earliest memories of Mayflower Theatre.
Where did you go to school/what area did you grow up in and what were some of your local haunts growing up?
I grew up and went to school in Swanmore and was very lucky to have the countryside on my doorstep. I used to walk across a cow field to get to school and my friends were mostly in walking distance. I used to love visiting Marwell Zoo and Manor Farm, and the days when my mum would pick me and my sister up from school and we’d drive straight to West Wittering and run into the sea.
Where did you train? And where are you based now?
I always had an idea that I’d perform, but I just danced for fun in school clubs and productions until I was around 15. Then I realised that if I wanted to dance professionally, I’d need to take it seriously, so I spent the ages of 15-18 filling every moment with dance.
I started training at Laban with the CAT scheme every Saturday, spent Sundays with STP Musicals in Bursledon, and weekday evenings at Emjay School of Dance in Southampton where I was so supported despite being a late starter with them. I did a BTEC in Dance at South Downs College. I then moved to London to study Dance & Musical theatre at the Urdang Academy, and I’ve been London based ever since.
What does it mean to be performing at Mayflower Theatre? Will family and friends be coming to see the show whilst you are here?
It means so much to be performing so close to home, and in what I remember as being THE theatre growing up. Despite touring a couple of times I’ve not performed at Mayflower Theatre before, and even though my friends and family show me support wherever I’m on stage, they are very happy they don’t have to travel too far this time around!
Do you have plans to visit anywhere locally whilst the show is in Southampton?
I’m looking forward to spending time back home. The show keeps us pretty busy but I’m hoping to get out on the Hamble on my paddle board if the weather allows. I’ve not been home for such an extended period for a while, so I’m going to try and see as many friends as possible and treat my spare time as a holiday at home!
When were you cast in Hamilton? Can you tell us about the process and how you found out you had been cast?
I saw the show in the West End in 2018 and loved every second. Before the show even ended, I made a promise to myself that I’d be in it one day. The audition process consisted of six singing/dancing rounds, followed by a week-long bootcamp. After a long wait, I got the news in August of last year and was over the moon!
Tell us about your role in the show?
I play “W1”, a female presenting member of the ensemble. As the ensemble in Hamilton, we portray all sorts throughout the show – one moment we’re the jury in the first American murder trial, the next we’re a physical expression of Aaron Burr’s darkest desires, we’re constantly evolving and hardly leave the stage.
The choreography is incredibly detailed and every single movement has a meaning, and although it is definitely a physically demanding show, being able to tap into that intention rather than moving for movements’ sake is really creatively fulfilling. All the cast are so talented, it’s a really special production to be a part of.
Why should audiences come and see Hamilton at Mayflower Theatre?
The show speaks to people in many different ways, some come away inspired by the messages of perseverance and hope, some feel empowered by the story of revolution and new beginnings, and others simply enjoy letting the amazing storytelling take them along for the ride. We’re really proud of this production and if people are able to come along, we promise a great show.
