Hello, Dolly! | Short Review
Simon Button
Friday, July 19, 2024
It's so good to have Imelda Staunton back where she belongs in the show of the summer.
The show of the summer is here. A perfectly-cast Imelda Staunton hits every note, emotion and comic beat in a production which, as directed by Dominic Cooke, breathes vibrant life into a musical comedy classic. There's no pesky revisionism going on here; it's a reverent, extravagant revival that pulls out all the stops to give the audience a rollicking good time.
After her no-holds-barred turns as the conniving Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd and the monstrous pushy mother in Gypsy, it’s nice to see Staunton in something lighter and more heart-warming. And she’s clearly having a ball as the matchmaker of the title – hilariously meddlesome, grieving for her late husband but ready to re-embrace life before the parade passes by. It's so nice to have her back where she belongs, centre-stage in a show that's the epitome of Musical Theatre at its glorious best.
★★★★★
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Hello, Dolly! by Jerry Herman (music, lyrics), Michael Stewart (book)
London Palladium, 18 July 2024
Starring Imelda Staunton, Andy Nyman, Jenna Russell, Tyrone Huntley, Harry Hepple, Emily Lane et al
Directed by Dominic Cooke
Hello, Dolly! is booking until 14 September 2024 - for more information and tickets, visit hellodollyldn.com
You can read our full review in the October issue of Musicals magazine out on 27 September – consider subscribing today!