Opera legend Lesley Garrett CBE will make her debut with Northern Ireland Opera this autumn in a brand-new production of Follies at the Grand Opera House, Belfast.
The celebrated soprano, whose career spans 45 years across opera and musical theatre, will take on the role of Heidi Schiller in Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s iconic musical.
“I’m so excited to be coming back to Belfast and especially to be making my debut with Northern Ireland Opera at the age of 70!” said Garrett. “Sondheim’s Follies is a masterpiece and I’m delighted to have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to perform the iconic role of Heidi Schiller. Come and join me on this fabulous adventure!”
Joining Garrett is a stellar cast including Jacqueline Dankworth MBE as Carlotta Campion, returning to Sondheim after her West End debut in Into The Woods.
Anna-Jane Casey and Annette McLaughlin will play former roommates Sally Plummer and Phyllis Stone, bringing decades of West End and Broadway experience to the production.
Belfast native Mark Dugdale and West End favourite Alasdair Harvey star as Buddy Palmer and Benjamin Stone, respectively.
Allison Harding, currently appearing in the TV detective series Ellis, will play Hattie Walker, delivering the showstopping number “Broadway Baby”.
Directed by Northern Ireland Opera’s Artistic Director Cameron Menzies, this marks the first professional staging of Follies in Northern Ireland and the first UK revival in eight years.
Musical direction comes from Greg Arrowsmith, conducting the 35-piece Orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera. The creative team also includes choreographer Jennifer Rooney and set designer Niall McKeever.
Follies runs from 13–20 September 2025, with performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on 20 September at 2.30pm.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
