Director Dominic Cooke's stellar National Theatre revival of Sondheim's ‘Follies’ had much to recommend it, but one of its highest points was Imelda Staunton's performance as a wistful former showgirl, haunted by regrets. Now, Staunton and Cooke are reuniting for a crack at another classic musical, ‘Hello, Dolly’, which hasn't had a London revival in over a decade.
Cooke’s production was due to have a 30-week run at Adelphi Theatre starting in 2020; the pandemic scuppered that – and presumably her commitments to ‘The Crown’ delayed it further their part – but it’s finally hitting the stage in 2024 with a limited run in the huge Palladium.
Staunton will play the eponymous socialite matchmaker who finds a bride for her millionaire friend, then embarks on a hunt for a love of her own. It's got music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (‘La Cage aux Folles’) including the wonderful title number, plus 'Put on Your Sunday Clothes' and 'Before the Parade Passes By'.
