Follies at the Grand Opera House, Belfast is also performed on 16, 19 and 20 September 2025. Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ This revival marks 50 odd years since Follies first beguiled an audience and it’s still here.
Tag Archives | Follies
Star casting announced for Northern Ireland Opera’s Follies
West End stars Anna-Jane Casey and Annette McLaughlin will lead the cast of Northern Ireland Opera’s upcoming revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway smash Follies.
From Showgirl to District Nurse – Remembering Lynda Baron (1939-2022)
The actress, singer and dancer Lynda Baron, star of stage, cinema and television, died recently at the age of 82. She was a brilliant actress who brought to any part she played a definite quality all her own. As someone who has followed her career for over 60 years, Michael Darvell pays tribute to a […]
Remembering Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021), The Ultimate Musical Man of Broadway
Stephen Sondheim rewrote the history of the Broadway musical in a career lasting over 60 years. Michael Darvell looks back, show by show, at the genius that was Stephen Sondheim. It is an unquestionable fact that Stephen Sondheim was responsible for taking the rather moribund genre of the Broadway musical and breathing new life into […]
‘There are giants in the sky’: The theatre community pays tribute to Stephen Sondheim
It feels pretty impossible to find the words to sum up the kind of influence composer Stephen Sondheim had on the world of musical theatre. There was of course the way he turned the genre on its head and made changes to form and content that had never been contemplated before. Then there was the […]
NT reopening season to include new musical based on the story of Sleeping Beauty
Rufus Norris will direct and provide the lyrics for Hex, a new musical inspired by the story of Sleeping Beauty which will debut at the National Theatre this Christmas. Announced as part of a diverse programme of live theatre at the Southbank venue, on tour and on Broadway along with major cinema releases including the […]
Five Questions With: Andrew Wright
The Wright Agency – led by double Olivier Award nominee, double WhatsOnStage and Carl Alan Award-winning choreographer ANDREW WRIGHT – was launched in September 2020 to represent and most importantly celebrate choreographers and associate choreographers in the UK. The agency represents 11 of the UK’s emerging choreographic talent. Its mission is to support those who […]
Dancing up a storm – Remembering Bob Avian
BOB AVIAN, the celebrated director, producer and choreographer, has died at the age of 83. Famed for his work on major productions of A Chorus Line, Ballroom, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, Follies, Sunset Boulevard and The Witches of Eastwick, he had become something of a Broadway legend. Michael Darvell looks back over a long and […]
A Crossword of Sondheimian Rhyme
Stephen Sondheim is probably theatre’s greatest living lyricist. This is a compliment he may or may not be sick of reading, especially after last month’s deluge of well-deserved 90th birthday encomiums. Either way, as a (somewhat less-acclaimed) musical theatre maker myself I know there is something every proud lyricist could never tire of: people noticing […]
The Top 12 Olivier Awards Performances of the Last Ten Years
In lieu of an Olivier Awards ceremony this Sunday evening, ITV is broadcasting a compilation of their greatest performances instead. Just in case the choices don’t match yours, here are our top 12 favourite Olivier Awards performances of the last decade, in no particular order. With thanks to Ian Bowkett. 2019 – Jason Manford, Janie […]
Sondheim at 90: A YouTube career retrospective
Ian Bowkett writes: It is deeply unfortunate that on the 90th birthday of legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim we are in the midst of a period without access to live musical theatre. However, that does make this the perfect time to scour YouTube for our favourite renditions of his songs to take us away to happier […]
Musical Theatre Review 2019 – Five-Star Show Round-Up
Musical Theatre Review reflects on another stunning and diverse year of theatre. Here is a round-up of five star reviews from 2019 productions in the West End, on the London Fringe, in the regions and on tour (plus a sprinkling of Broadway openings too). With thanks to all our awesome contributors. JANUARY 2019 Songs For Nobodies […]
A tribute to Harold Prince – King of Broadway
The American theatre director and producer Harold Prince, celebrated for some of the most successful musical productions on Broadway and in the West End, recently died at the age of 91. For over 60 years he produced or directed many of the most original musicals in theatre history. Michael Darvell looks back at the life […]
CD Review: Follies – National Theatre 2018 Cast
FOLLIES – National Theatre 2018 Cast (Warner Classics – 093624900955) Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Sondheim’s Follies is one of those musicals that started its rocky road to becoming an iconic piece of theatre in 1971. I remember being in London at the time and there was a record shop in Dean […]
Broadway marks the passing of the legendary Hal Prince
The lights on Broadway were dimmed last night in memory of Harold Prince, the multi award-winning director and producer who died at the age of 91 yesterday (31 July 2019) A true Broadway legend, Harold Prince wove his magic on the Great White Way for decades, working with many of the greats and winning 21 […]
Looking Forward with Janie Dee – The Pheasantry, London
Looking Forward with Janie Dee at The Pheasantry, London. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The adorable, dee-licious and absurdly talented Janie Dee doesn’t believe in letting the grass grow under her feet and she managed to slip in a couple of cabaret nights at The Pheasantry as part of her crowded […]
On Reflection: The Cast of Follies in Cabaret – Underbelly Festival
On Reflection: The Cast of Follies in Cabaret at the Underbelly Festival, London. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Janie Dee, who played Phyllis in the National Theatre’s stunning revival of Follies, keeps the musical theatre magic alive with her On Reflection cabaret. In this intimate hour-long cabaret in the Underbelly spiegeltent on the […]
‘The piece doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions’: Alex Young on her role in new musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge at Sheffield Crucible
It’s a busy time for the multi-talented ALEX YOUNG who follows up glowing reviews for Me and My Girl at Chichester and Follies at the National by taking a leading role in a new musical, Standing at the Sky’s Edge.
Thanks for the lovely memories Liliane Montevecchi – you were one of a kind
She wasn’t the best singer in the world but she was a force of nature, this gamine Parisienne with the wicked laugh, but Liliane Montevecchi, who has died in New York at 85, was a very special entertainer who brought glamour to the stage and absolutely knew how to work an audience, writes Jeremy Chapman. […]
Hadestown debut and Follies return For National Theatre
American folk singer Anaïs Mitchell’s record-breaking Hadestown and the winner of the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, Follies, will be the musical theatre productions included in the National Theatre’s 2018/2019 programme. Arriving in the UK following record-breaking runs at New York Theatre Workshop and Canada’s Citadel Theatre, Hadestown will arrive at the NT […]
Hamilton collects seven Olivier Awards including Best New Musical
New American musical Hamilton collected seven Olivier Awards including Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards 2018 with Mastercard, the UK’s most prestigious stage honours, announced at London’s Royal Albert Hall and hosted by Catherine Tate. Composer-lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire won Outstanding Achievement in Music (which Lacamoire accepted by singing a speech […]
Olivier Awards 2018 ceremony – Hamilton opener, Chita Rivera singing West Side Story, Joseph 50th ann tribute
Special performances to mark the 60th anniversary of the London opening of West Side Story and the 50th anniversary of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will feature in the star-studded ceremony for the 2018 Olivier Awards on 8 April 2018. Musical theatre legend Chita Rivera will celebrate her London debut as Anita in the classic […]
Janie Dee – Live at Zédel
Janie Dee continues at Live at Zédel, London on 16 and 17 March 2018. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Janie Dee returns to cabaret after her sensational performance in the National Theatre’s production of Follies. After the ice cold Phyllis, Dee transforms herself into a sultry piece of mischief, sweeping into the room and […]
Hamilton receives a recording-breaking 13 nominations in Olivier Awards 2018
Smash hit musical Hamilton predictably leads the field with a record-breaking 13 nominations for this year’s Olivier Awards, overtaking previous joint record holders: last year’s The Cursed Child and 2008’s Hairspray with 11 nominations. Announced today by Elaine Paige and Alexandra Burke, the nominees for the 2018 Olivier Awards with Mastercard recognised a number of […]
Follies’ Alex Young to join Edward Seckerson for next Comparing Notes show
Former Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year and West End rising star Alex Young will be Edward Seckerson’s next guest in his Comparing Notes series at Pizza Express Live Holborn on 18 February. Launched last September at the newly opened London entertainment venue, the format of the musical theatre-themed shows features writer and […]
Fresh from Follies at the National, Alex Young to host Sondheim Society cabaret
Former Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year and West End rising star Alex Young will host the society’s next cabaret at London’s Phoenix Artist Club on Monday 5 February (7.30-9.30pm). Recently seen in the role of Young Sally in the National Theatre’s hit production of Follies, the artist (awarded the prestigious student prize […]
Musicals dominate Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards – Hamilton wins first major British prize
Opening just before Christmas to rave reviews, the London version of the multi award-winning Broadway hit Hamilton has won its first major prize outside the USA – Best Musical at the 2017 Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Earmarked by Cameron Mackintosh as the production to launch his multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Victoria Palace Theatre, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s […]
WhatsOnStage Awards 2017 – 42nd Street and Bat Out of Hell top musical theatre nominations
At a ceremony held today at London’s Café de Paris, Aladdin’s Trevor Dion Nicholas announced the nominees for the 18th annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the only major theatre awards decided entirely by the theatregoers themselves. The announcement of the nominations marks the opening of the final voting stage which closes 31 January, with the winners announced […]
Follies – National Theatre
Follies continues at the National Theatre (Olivier), London until 3 January. Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ We’ve waited long enough, 30 years unless you count the limited-run version at the Royal Festival Hall in August 2002, for a full-scale revival of one of Stephen Sondheim’s finest creations and now we’ve got […]
Follies at the National Theatre – new gallery of production images
Here’s a brand new gallery of production images to give readers a sneak peek of the National Theatre’s much-anticipated production of the 1970s Broadway musical Follies, opening tonight (6 September). Starring the multi-award winning trio of Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton, Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies will play the Olivier Theatre until 4 November. Featuring […]
Theatre world mourns the loss of actress and singer Barbara Cook
Barbara Cook, whose nonpareil career stretched from dazzling portrayals in classic Broadway musicals to iconic performances in concert halls and cabarets, died on 8 August at the age of 89. The cause was reported to be respiratory failure. Cook made her Broadway debut in 1951 as the ingenue lead in the short-lived musical Flahooley, then […]
National Theatre’s Follies – further cast details
Full casting details have been revealed for the National Theatre’s much-anticipated production of the 1970s Broadway musical Follies which is due to begin previewing in August. Starring the multi-award winning trio of Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton, Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies will play the Olivier Theatre from 22 August until 4 November with […]
Follies at the National Theatre – more cast details
More details have been revealed for the National Theatre’s much-anticipated production of the 1970s Broadway show Follies which is due to begin previewing in August. Starring the multi award-winning trio of Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton, the Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman musical will play the Olivier Theatre from 22 August until 4 November with […]
National Theatre 2017 season – Pinocchio and Follies provide the musical interest
There will be ‘no strings to hold him down’ when Pinocchio steps on to the stage at the National Theatre this Christmas as part of the prestigious venue’s packed 2017 season. Directed by John Tiffany, the world premiere of Pinocchio by Dennis Kelly joins the new production of the 1970s Broadway musical Follies as two of […]
Follies at the National Theatre – Philip Quast joins Imelda Staunton and Janie Dee
National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris has confirmed details of next year’s much-anticipated production of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Broadway musical Follies, Starring the multi-award winning duo of Imelda Staunton and Janie Dee, the show will play the Olivier Theatre at a date which has yet to be confirmed. Imelda Staunton plays Sally Durant Plummer, Janie Dee […]
Staunton and Dee heading for Follies at the National
Multi award-winner Imelda Staunton is to return to the music of Stephen Sondheim to star in next year’s National Theatre production of Broadway musical Follies, directed by Dominic Cooke. The actress, who won rave reviews for her performance as Momma Rose in the hit revival of Gypsy, will co-star with Olivier Award winner Janie Dee (Carousel) […]
Sally Ann Triplett – Crazy Coqs
Sally Ann Triplett performs her show Elephants to Broadway and Back Again at the Crazy Coqs, London until 11 July. Star rating: 3 stars ★ ★ ★ Actress and singer Sally Ann Triplett always imagined she was going to be a ballet dancer until she discovered at a relatively young age that she had a “loud […]
Follies in Concert – Royal Albert Hall
Follies in Concert was performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Star rating: 4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ London has had a surprisingly – and tragically – short history with Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies. The original full-scale West End production opened in 1987 (which, admittedly, remains the show’s longest ever run, anywhere in the world). […]
Follies in Concert – Jennifer Coolidge and Stefanie Powers join cast
Further star casting has been announced for Follies in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 28 April 2015 in celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s 85th birthday year, including Jennifer Coolidge, Alexander Hanson, Stefanie Powers, Alistair Brammer and Laura Pitt-Pulford. The musical will be directed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood and will also feature […]
Our Time – KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar Sing Sondheim – Crazy Coqs
Our Time: KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar Sing Sondheim at the Crazy Coqs, London continues until 14 February. Star rating: 4 stars **** Put two of New York’s finest, most enduring cabaret performers in the best room in town, give them 20 of Stephen Sondheim’s cleverest songs to interpret, many with a new, gender-bending twist, and the result, as you might […]
Follies concert will feature Christine Baranski and Ruthie Henshall
SilverBlue Entertainment, in association with Elliot Davis are presenting Follies in Concert, with The City of London Philharmonic Orchestra, at the Royal Albert Hall in celebration of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s 85th birthday year. The show will be playing on Tuesday 28 April for one matinee (at 3pm) and one evening performance (at 7.30pm) only. The all-star cast includes Christine Baranski (Into the Woods, The Good Wife, Mamma Mia!), Anita Dobson (EastEnders, Chicago), Anita Harris (Carry On Doctor and Follow That Camel, Cats), Ruthie Henshall (original Roxy in Chicago, Les Misérables), […]
Elaine Paige in Concert – Royal Albert Hall, London
Elaine Paige in Concert (50th Anniversary Farewell Tour) at the Royal Albert Hall, London. It seems strange to imagine but to anybody under the age of 20, Elaine Paige is probably more regarded as a Sunday afternoon radio presenter than as a musical theatre star. Certainly her presence on the Radio 2 show has given musical theatre a […]
The Ladies Who Lunch – The Pheasantry
The Ladies Who Lunch: A Celebration of Sondheim’s Women was performed at The Pheasantry, London. It’s hard to think of any composer who writes better songs, funny or sad, for the opposite sex than Stephen Sondheim and that view was strengthened when 22 of his best were given the full treatment by the talented quartette of Katy Secombe, Rebecca Caine, […]
