1971, New York. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.
Including such classic songs as Broadway Baby, I’m Still Here and Losing My Mind. Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the National Theatre.
Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling new production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, it’s directed by Dominic Cooke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom).
Winner of Academy, Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, Sondheim’s previous work at the NT includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.
Design by Vicki Mortimer, choreography by Bill Deamer, musical supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, musical director Nigel Lilley, lighting design by Paule Constable and sound designer by Paul Groothuis.
Cast includes Josephine Barstow, Tracie Bennett, Di Botcher, Billy Boyle, Janie Dee, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Peter Forbes, Emily Goodenough, Bruce Graham, Fred Haig, Aimee Hodnett, Dawn Hope, Liz Izen, Alison Langer, Emily Langham, Sarah Marie Maxwell, Kate Parr, Philip Quast, Edwin Ray, Gary Raymond, Adam Rhys-Charles, Jordan Shaw, Imelda Staunton, Barnaby Thompson, Christine Tucker and Alex Young.
FOLLIES previews from 22 August, with a press night 6 September, booking until 4 November with additional performances to be announced.
