One of musical theatre’s most enduring classics, finally (after being cancelled due to Covid) gets its opening at the London Palladium. This new production of Hello, Dolly! starring Imelda Staunton, is a dazzling spectacle that pays homage to the golden age of Broadway while adding some pizzaz to Jerry Herman’s timeless score.
The title role is one that has famously been played by some of the greats, from Barbra Streisand to Bette Midler. The mischievous Dolly Levi makes a living by meddling and match making, but tired of living hand to mouth, embarks on a plan to come out on top.
Leading this revival is Dame Imelda Staunton with a tour de force performance. Staunton brings a perfect blend of sass, charm, and vulnerability to the role, making Dolly’s journey from grief to renewed zest for life utterly believable and deeply moving. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and her vocals soar in showstoppers like “Before the Parade Passes By” and the iconic title number.
Staunton’s Dolly is different to previous incarnations, and that might take some getting used to for the traditionalists, but as we work our way towards the finale, this portrayal starts to make more sense for the character.
The supporting cast matches Staunton’s energy beat for beat. Andy Nyman brings a delightful gruffness to “half a millionaire” Horace Vandergelder, while Jenna Russell shines as Irene Molloy. Tyrone Huntley and Harry Hepple as Cornelius and Barnaby provide some of the evening’s biggest laughs with their wide-eyed enthusiasm.
Dominic Cooke’s production respects the show’s heritage and indulges in lavish set design and costumes from Rae Smith, a mix of projected backdrops and more traditional set pieces transport us effortlessly to turn-of-the-century New York.
Cooke’s direction keeps a gentle pace, making excellent use of the Palladium’s stage to create a sense of continuous motion. The energy dips occasionally, particularly in the first act, but this is easily over looked thanks to the captivating cast. The choreography by Bill Deamer is a particular highlight, with the waiters’ gallop in the Harmonia Gardens scene delighting the audience
Hello, Dolly! is first and foremost a comedy, but it’s one with exceptional heart. Its title character has been widowed while still relatively young, but defies the odds to find love and happiness, and this production allows the underlying themes of love, second chances, and living life to the fullest to shine through.
The orchestra does full justice to Herman’s lush score. From the brassy excitement of “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” to the romantic swoon of “It Only Takes a Moment,” every musical number is a delight.
This terrific Hello, Dolly! is a reminder of the power of musical theatre to lift spirits and touch hearts. This is a welcome escape from an uncertain world into joyous nostalgia.
