Follies, National Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until May 11, 2019


The must-see show of 2018 is back. Dominic Cooke's spectacular production of the classic Steven Sondheim hit is musical theatre at its best. Sondheim's lyrics and music are at their most arresting and wittiest: "Broadway Baby," "Losing My Mind," and "I'm Still Here." This masterpiece makes you both think and feel as it looks at the follies of love through the eyes of show girls reuniting for the closing of their old theatre. The illusions of youth and the regrets of age are examined and exposed through the various characters and the relationships they have chosen. The contrast of the characters in youth to the people they are now is beautifully drawn. Janie Dee (Phyllis) and Peter Forbes (Buddy) reprise their parts from 2018 and Alexander Hansen (Ben) and Joanna Ridgely (Sally) join the new production. And, in mid-April Josephine Barstow's "One More Kiss" returns. Brilliantly staged with a stellar cast bringing all the passion that was there in the iconic 2018 production. This is the must-see show of 2019.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until May 11, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 2:00 pm
Olivier Theatre, National Theatre
Nearest tube: Waterloo

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