This lively production is old-fashioned good fun from start to finish.
Let’s be honest anyone who is taking on the role of Dolly in Hello, Dolly! has some stupendously big shows to fill when you consider many of the actresses who have starred in the role including Carol Channing, Barbra Streisand and Ethel Merman to name a few.
Now sixty years since it originally premiered on Broadway, the musical is being revived in London with Imelda Staunton taking on the title role in this classic and classy production directed by Dominic Cooke.
Based on The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, Hello, Dolly follows the story of widow Dolly who is on the search for a new love and marriage and she finds it in the shape of gruff millionaire Horace Vandergelder but approaches him in the disguise of a matchmaker trying to find him the perfect wife.
While Cooke’s production has the feel of a typical classically staged musical, with plenty of liveliness in all the right places, it also feels surprisingly understated and could bring out the comedy a little bit stronger – with exception of the scene that takes place in the millenary in which Vandergelder’s undervalued employees go to all kinds of lengths to avoid him.
However, what this production does have is plenty of heart, hope and love as well as finding a sense of purpose that will still resonate with audiences today which is why Jerry Herman’s music and lyrics still hold up to this day. In particular ‘Look, Love in My Window’ is filled with longing and reminiscence that packs a punch emotionally, while still be able to have fun with songs such as ‘Put on Your Sunday Clothes’ and ‘It Takes A Woman’ (which gives Bill Deamer’s dreamy choreography the perfect opportunity to shine).
Yes, the musical deals with conventional ideas about love and marriage, but this production has enough charm to it that ensures that the audience are drawn into the story effectively. Visually, the backdrop can feel a little bit flat – but I do have to say I was impressed with Rae Smith’s set designs with its seamless changes that takes the audience from Yonkers to New York effortlessly, capturing a Hollywood charm to it for sequence for’Put Your Sunday Clothes on’.
At the centre of the show, Imelda Staunton as Dolly delivers spot on comic delivery but also showcases the character’s vulnerability and hope with great poise that it is hard not to be drawn into her performance. Vocally, yes the vulnerability is still there but I felt that initially she isn’t quite as strong as she could be – but she soon grows in confidence as the performance goes on. It is an understated performance that is well grounded and believable – it would be a surprise if she isn’t nominated for many awards for her take on Dolly.
But the whole cast are an absolute delight. In particular it was a joy to watch Harry Hepple as Cornelius and Tyrone Huntley as Barnaby Horace’s employees who run off to the city to experience life and find love. Their rapport with each other offers some lovely playful moments that are worth looking out for. Meanwhile, Jenna Russell as Irene Molloy (Horace’s intended wife) offers a strong portrayal of the character as well as a beautiful rendition of ‘Ribbons Down My Back’ that is a real highlight of the show. Andy Nyman also makes for an entertainingly miserly Horace.
It might not have been open for long, but already Hello, Dolly! feels right at home at the London Palladium and proves once again that classic musicals such as this should be staged for new audiences to enjoy. For old-fashioned but an immensely enjoyable time at the theatre this summer do pay a visit to the London Palladium.
Hello, Dolly! continues to play at the London Palladium until the 14th September. To book tickets click here.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐