Hello Dolly
The London Palladium
Booking until 14 September 2024
There was NO ONE more excited than I, when I received the press release that Imelda Staunton’s next big role was going to be in a London revival of Hello Dolly. It was dream casting and it went straight into my diary as a must see.
That was in 2019. It has been a long long wait.
One pandemic later, Hello Dolly has finally opened at the London Palladium, and a star studded audience was in attendance at it’s gala night ecstatic in their appreciation (I think I saw everyone on my fantasy dinner party guest list).
Was it worth the wait??? Hell yes.
Absolutely everything about this production is classy, it is bright and glitzy, beautifully traditional, and a joy to watch. The largest orchestra in the West End sets the bar when the rousing overture starts. Goosebumps prickle and then quiet…we see Dolly Levy hanging up her mourning dress as she quietly addresses her late husband Ephraim. She is lonely and it is time for her to come out of mourning and start to live her life again. She has her eyes set on local (grouchy) Horace Vandergender (Andy Nyman) however there is other matchmaking and meddling to do on the way.
There was absolutely no doubt after her sensational Mama Rose in Chichester’s production of Gypsy that Imelda Staunton would be the perfect choice as the fast talking, American, Jewish matchmaker Dolly. But she surpassed every expectation that even I had (and I have been a huge fan for over 30 years). As well as Dolly’s confidence and brashness, Staunton brings a unique vulnerability to Dolly, a genuine warmth that truly makes you care about the character, rooting for her happiness as she forges a new way of life for herself.
Staunton is supported by a strong cast, Andy Nyman plays the unlikely love interest, Honestly, in such a feel good funny show, he did well to maintain his grumpiness. Jenna Russell (another fav of mine) plays Vandergelder’s intended, Irene Malloy the milliner who longs for a new life but recognises that she is not in love with Horace. Her outlook changes when Cornelius (Harry Hepple) stumbles through her door along with his companion Barnaby (Tyrone Huntley) who are in New York looking for adventure.
Hello Dolly is chock full of recognisable songs penned by Jerry Herman, and executed beautiful not only by the leads but a marvellous ensemble. Rae Smith’s set and costume design is breathtaking, the costumes are delicious. And yes, the iconic staircase and the dancing waiters do make an appearance and it is sublime… it was at this point ‘look at the old girl now, fellas’ that you truly witnessed star quality oozing out of its leading actress.
Director Dominic Cooke has truly created the perfect feel good summer musical. It only takes a moment to fall head over heels in love with it. Hello Dolly is only on for a few weeks so I am already planning my second visit. I heartily recommend it, don’t leave it too late.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
#gifted.