Di Botcher
The National Theatre production of Follies is a musical which I needed to see.
My friend John, has banged on about it for years, so recently I watched the live production itself to judge for myself.
Generally I loved it.
It was overlong for sure, and I could have happily done without the last 20 minutes of it, but the sheer scale and chutzpah of the production blew me away, but not quite as you may expect .
Of course the leads Philip Quast, Janie Dee and the powerhouse Imelda Staunton were fantastic but for me it was performances from three supporting follies that moved me the most
The fabulous Tracie Bennett
Di Botcher as the bespectacled, big haired Hattie (reminding me so much of my mother) belted out the cracking Broadway Baby with fantastic gusto. Tracie Bennett as the spunky and slightly shop worn Carlotta lived I’m Still Here and the elderly Opera singer Dame Josephine Barstow broke everyone’s hearts as the eldest of the follies during her One More Kiss duet.
These three set pieces made the production for me
Josephine Barstow
Sounds like a lovely time you had. I haven't been to a live venue in a very long time but this fall our symphony is back to performing in person and I do plan to be there.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by "I watched the live production"? Was this in a theatre, or on some paid-for TV channel?
ReplyDeleteAt the cinema cro
DeleteLook up National Theatre Live website. This gives details of shows from the National Theatre, and others that are first shown as a live relay of a production then again later, as as-live recordings. You can find the venue nearest to you, In the UK and also internationally. Some great shows, plays, ballets and operas available. You can join the mailing list and redirect updates of performances to come.
DeleteThank you!
DeleteIt sounds as if it was fabulous with famous singers doing with they do best and love to do. An appreciative audience is always welcome.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
The cast was impeccable
DeleteYes I was there with you! Great National Theatre cinema relay. Third time I have seen it, a terrific Sondheim. Watch the documomentary Six By Sondheim currently being shown on Sky channels, an impeccable programme and a great insight into the man. I would leave home for Philip Quast! GMe and thousands of others......! So glad you enjoyed the show.
ReplyDeleteQuast was javert in les miserable wasn’t he
DeleteQuast is the definitive Javert! he is in the 25th anniversary recording concert performance at the Royal Albert Hall, highlights on YouTube. Also see his masterclass on how to sing those songs. A terrific Emile in the NT South Pacific, Seurat in Sunday In The Park With George etc.
DeleteJohn you certainly get around and see so much - are you still in your choir or is that impossible with your work schedule
ReplyDeleteI will be going to choir next week for the first time. It had been started a few weeks ago but was limited to singing outside which I didn’t want to do. Next week we sing inside a tent which will improve the acoustics
DeleteWould love to have seen it with Imelda Staunton, who was in the original London cast of 'Into the Woods' which I saw in the early 90s.
ReplyDeleteI saw 'Follies' TWICE in 1987 at the Shaftesbury Theatre, then with Julia McKenzie, Daniel Massey - and Diana Rigg for whom Sondheim wrote a special substitute song for her as the original number required her to dance, which she couldn't/wouldn't, though her nightly appearing and singing in a real bubble bath seemed to be more than adequate compensation. Cast also included Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson [remember them?]. This was one of the real highlights in the theatre-going era of my life. Would love to see it again - and I don't recall then thinking that it might have been a tad over-long.
Interesting raymondo
ReplyDeleteWhat role did rigg play?
Dame Diana [R.I.P.] played Phyllis - unforgettably. Just as impressive was Dolores Gray as 'I'm-Still-Here' Carlotta. By the end of that particular run that role was taken over Eartha Kitt who, so the story goes, played it without letting Sondheim know. He'd previously voiced disapproval of her portrayal of the part - though, I believe, relented when he saw her.
DeleteDi Botcher looks to be a mischievous character x
ReplyDeleteI saw the amazing Tracie Bennett as Judy Garland, what a performer she is. Jean
ReplyDeleteI saw Follies in New York years ago with Polly Bergen and Blythe Danner. It's a fantastic show!
ReplyDeleteOK -- you inspired me. I booked a ticket to see this tomorrow. :)
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