Artistic Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris has confirmed reports that Imelda Staunton and Janie Dee will star in a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies at the National Theatre next year.
In a statement released today Rufus Norris said: “We are thrilled Imelda Staunton and Janie Dee will return to the National in 2017 in Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s masterpiece Follies.Musical theatre is hugely important and of course, like audiences all over the world I love Stephen’s work. Imelda’s performance in Guys and Dolls at the NT is the stuff of legend and I am delighted she is to take the lead in Follies under the direction of Dominic Cooke.”
Staunton, who won an Olivier Award for her performance as Mama Rose in the hit production of Gypsy, will play the role of Sally alongside fellow Olivier-winner Dee as Phyllis.
The production, directed by former Royal Court boss Dominic Cooke, will tell the story of a reunion of the Weismann’s Follies, in a crumbling Broadway theatre, scheduled for demolition.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1971, the musical made its West End debut in 1987 , starring Diana Rigg.
The score for Follies includes the songs ‘Losing My Mind’ , ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘Could I Leave You?’.
Further information about the production and other shows upcoming at the National Theatre will be unveiled at the National Theatre’s press conference on the 11th October.