IMELDA STAUNTON TO STAR IN ICONIC MUSICAL ‘HELLO, DOLLY!’ AT LONDON PALLADIUM
West End’s hottest ticket, Hello, Dolly!, is finally set to make its long-awaited return to London’s theater scene. Imelda Staunton, renowned actress, has taken on the lead role in this dynamic musical about a match-making widow. Originally planned for 2020, the production was delayed due to the Covid pandemic and Staunton’s commitments to the hit TV series, The Crown. However, the wait is over, and Staunton is ready to shine on stage.
Directed by Dominic Cooke, who previously collaborated with Staunton on Follies, Hello, Dolly! will run at the historic London Palladium from July 6 to September 14. This iconic show hasn’t been staged in London since 1984, making it a highly anticipated event. Staunton expresses her excitement about performing in such a renowned building, stating, “I still can’t quite believe that I’ll be starring in such an iconic show in such an iconic building.”
The journey to bring Hello, Dolly! back to the stage hasn’t been without its challenges. Staunton had to seek permission from the late composer Jerry Herman to include one of his songs in the production. In a heartfelt phone call, Staunton personally requested the use of the song “Just Leave Everything to Me,” originally performed by Barbra Streisand in the 1969 film adaptation of Hello, Dolly! Reflecting on the call, Staunton admits, “It felt very weird standing in my hotel room, making a transatlantic call to the great Jerry Herman.”
Producer Michael Harrison is thrilled to have Staunton back where she belongs, and the entire team is dedicated to delivering an uplifting evening for the audience. After a series of delays, Hello, Dolly! is ready to captivate theater lovers once again. Make sure to mark your calendars for this highly anticipated production at the London Palladium.
Imelda, known for her incredible talent as an actress, singer, and dancer, is set to take on the role of Dolly in the iconic musical Hello, Dolly! The show, which first debuted in 1964, is based on Thornton Wilder’s story, The Matchmaker, and follows the journey of a widow as she navigates life after loss. Imelda’s portrayal of Dolly brings a depth and complexity to the character that is often overlooked in other productions. Director Cooke explains, “Great musicals are underpinned by something. They’re not just escapist entertainment.” Imelda’s ability to bring this depth to the role is what makes her the perfect fit.
Imelda’s involvement in the production didn’t come without its challenges. She had to carefully consider whether the director’s vision aligned with her own, and whether she was willing to explore the more complicated moments of the character. However, once she made up her mind, she remained committed and dedicated, even during the numerous delays that the production faced.
The anticipation for Hello, Dolly! has been immense, with tickets selling out quickly when they were released. The show has already generated an impressive £3million in advance sales. However, producer Michael Harrison assures fans that there will be a range of ticket prices available, with the cheapest seats starting at £25. The Palladium, where the show will be staged, offers excellent sightlines, ensuring that every seat in the house provides a great view of the performance.
Hello, Dolly! is not just a glitzy, showy spectacle. It delves into the profound theme of rediscovering oneself after experiencing grief and loss. Imelda’s portrayal of Dolly brings this theme to life, showcasing her incredible talent and depth as an actress. Audiences can expect a truly unforgettable performance that goes beyond mere entertainment.
IMELDA STAUNTON’S JOYFUL RETURN TO THE STAGE
Imelda Staunton is set to make a triumphant return to the West End in the highly anticipated production of Hello, Dolly! The celebrated actress first collaborated with Imelda in the West End when the acclaimed production of Gypsy transferred from Chichester to London’s Savoy Theatre in 2015.
Joining Imelda on stage will be a stellar cast, including Andy Nyman as Horace Vandergelder, Jenna Russell as Irene Molloy, Tyrone Huntley as Barnaby Tucker, and Harry Hepple as Cornelius Hackl. The production will feature an 18-piece orchestra and a talented cast of 35.
For the past four years, Imelda had to put her dream of playing Dolly Levi on hold as she took on the challenging role of Queen Elizabeth II in the final two series of The Crown. The passing of the Queen added a poignant touch to Imelda’s final scenes on screen.
Reflecting on the experience, Imelda shares, “We resumed filming and then, very soon after, the Queen died, so it was quite difficult. We carried on with as much dignity and grace as everyone always had done but, obviously, there was a very different atmosphere in the world, in England, and particularly on set. We couldn’t do anything differently – we just had to carry on as before. But we were all a bit sad. I think it inevitably informed the temperature, if you like, rather than altered the material at all. But, there’s no doubt, it was different.”
Now, Imelda is thrilled to immerse herself in something joyful. “And I’d forgotten how funny it is. To be honest, it’s been quite a long time since I was required to be funny.”
While the rehearsal process can sometimes dampen the humor, Imelda knows that the real magic happens when performing in front of a live audience. “When you do it eight times a week in front of a live audience, who are hearing the jokes for the first time and greet them with gales of laughter. I love that.”
Imelda also dismisses any pressure from Barbra Streisand’s iconic portrayal of Dolly in the 1969 film adaptation. “That film was made in 1969 – more than half a century ago – and she was of course brilliant, if 40 years too young for the role. But it’s possible to take the kernel of something and come up with a completely different piece of work.”
As for nerves, Imelda embraces them. “Of course, and I hope so. Nerves produce adrenaline and you need that. I regard that as doubting yourself in a healthy way. But, in the end, you have to trust your own judgment.”
Imelda feels a sense of responsibility in bringing an old musical to a new audience, but she remains humble. “I told someone I was doing the show the other day and they said: ‘Oh, will you be playing Dolly Parton?’ I was enormously flattered.”
Don’t miss Imelda Staunton’s sensational performance in Hello, Dolly! For tickets, visit HelloDollyLDN.com.
