Northern Ireland Opera has announced the first wave of casting for its landmark revival of Follies, the legendary musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman.
This marks the first professional staging of Follies in Northern Ireland and the first UK revival in eight years. The production will run at Belfast’s Grand Opera House from 13–20 September 2025, with a press night on 13 September at 7.30pm.
Directed by Northern Ireland Opera’s Artistic Director Cameron Menzies, the production features a full-scale live orchestra conducted by Greg Arrowsmith and includes orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick.
Set in a crumbling Broadway theatre in 1971, Follies follows a reunion of former showgirls as they revisit old memories, rekindle rivalries, and confront the ghosts of their past.
West End stars Anna-Jane Casey and Annette McLaughlin lead the cast as Sally Plummer and Phyllis Stone, respectively. Casey’s credits include Cats, Chicago, and Starlight Express, while McLaughlin has appeared in Matilda the Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Scandal Town.
Mark Dugdale and Alasdair Harvey will play Buddy Palmer and Benjamin Stone. Dugdale, a Belfast native, has starred in Come From Away and Jersey Boys, while Harvey’s credits include Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, and Sunday in the Park with George.
Jacqueline Dankworth MBE returns to the stage as Carlotta Campion, her first Sondheim role in 30 years. “I’m Still Here,” sung by Carlotta, remains one of the show’s most iconic numbers.
Allison Harding, currently appearing in TV detective series Ellis, joins the cast as Hattie Walker. Her previous stage credits include Sister Act and Return to the Forbidden Planet.
Musical Director Greg Arrowsmith, celebrating his 21st West End show, will lead the 35-piece Orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera. Choreography is by Jennifer Rooney, with set design by Niall McKeever.
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Northern Ireland Opera back to their home in September with an unmissable production of Follies. Mounting the first ever professional production of the Sondheim musical in Northern Ireland demonstrates the variety of work and ambition which Cameron has brought to the company over the past few years.”
Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added:
“Thanks to the hugely talented cast, musicians and creative team, Follies, in the stunning surroundings of the Grand Opera House, promises to be a spectacular show and I would encourage everyone to go along and experience this unmissable show this September.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
