Review: Follies

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Follies.
Stephen Sondheim is one of my favourite composers of all time, which made this revival of his musical 'Follies' a must-see. However, this production sold out very quickly, so I did not think I would actually get the chance to see it. I was very lucky though, as I was able to find a few returns online for the New Years Day performance! Therefore, Follies became the first show of 2018, and it was a magnificent way to start the year!

Creatively, this revival of Follies is stunning. This production excels in all of the creative and design aspects. The costumes that feature in Follies are glorious! They perfectly fit the time period in which the play is set in and show us how glamorous those days were. There is a clear attention to detail in these costumes, which have been masterfully created by Vicki Mortimer. Vicki Mortimer is also responsible for creating the grand set design, which looks amazing onstage. There is only one major set piece, however a revolving stage is used, so that different areas of the building where Follies is set can be shown. The lighting design was also extremely impressive, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into it. The choreography was outstanding throughout the whole show and it was an absolute joy to watch. The direction and staging of this production, by Dominic Cooke, is particularly noteworthy. The stage is gigantic, but Cooke has used the space very well. It seems Cooke has directed this show excellently, putting together a truly wonderful revival.

Follies features four lead characters, and in this production they are portrayed by Imelda Staunton, Janie Dee, Phillip Quast and Peter Forbes. Imelda Staunton, who portrays Sally Durant Plummer, is a very gifted and unique actress. She is so perfect for the role of Sally and was extremely convincing. In addition to her brilliant acting skills, Staunton is also a very talented singer. Her rendition of 'Losing My Mind' was one of the show's best moments. Janie Dee, performing the role of Phyllis Rogers Stone, is a triple threat; a phenomenal actress, singer and dancer. The role of Phyllis is perfect for Janie Dee to showcase all of her talents, and this is demonstrated during the musical number 'The Story of Lucy and Jessie'. Phillip Quast gave a superb performance as Benjamin Stone. He was well suited to the part, as well as being very believable. Peter Forbes, who portrays Buddy Plummer, was excellent throughout the whole show, however there is a particular number where he really shines. Forbes seems to really be in his element when he performs 'Buddy's Blues', which is another of the show's many 'wow moments'. Throughout the show, the four leads are shadowed by their younger selves, performed by Alex Young, Zizi Strallen, Adam Rhys-Charles and Fred Haig. These four younger cast members were also outstanding performers. There is also another stand out performance, and that was Tracie Bennett, in the role of Carlotta Campion. Tracie Bennett has a phenomenal voice and her solo 'I'm Still Here' was one of the best songs in the show. Bennett also provides great comic relief to the show, delivering every single line perfectly.

The storyline of Follies follows 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. It was an exceedingly interesting story, which explored many different themes such as youthful love, regrets in later life and letting go of the past. As per usual, Stephen Sondheim's music never fails to please, as this score is terrific! Both the music and lyrics are exceptionally well written, producing many wonderful songs.

This is a brilliant production and such a joy to watch. It is 2 hours and 10 minutes (with no interval), and yet the time flew by. I enjoyed every minute! Sadly, this revival of Follies ends today (3rd of January), but it has had a great run! I hope that a cast recording is released in the near future.

The featured star of Follies is, drum roll please... IMELDA STAUNTON!

All four leads would have been worthy for the featured star title, with each of them delivering phenomenal and memorable performances. There is an argument to be made for each of the four leads, however in the end I chose Imelda Staunton. Staunton is captivating to watch when onstage. She is always full of life and energy, putting her all in to every single performance. She's a real star!

Now for my final verdict on Follies. I give Follies...

It was very hard to choose between a four and a five star rating for Follies. If I had half star rating, this would definitely get four and a half stars. However, I eventually decided to award Follies 4 stars.

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer