Scott reviews 'Hello Dolly'

The London Palladium’s brand new production of “Hello Dolly” showcases much of the new technology in theatre, but still with a classic feel to it. An extremely captivating production for both those who enjoyed Barbara Streisand in the 1969 movie and those who are discovering it for the very first time.

“Hello Dolly” is a richly acclaimed musical comedy which tells the story of the highly respected matchmaker Dolly Levi, as she formulates the solution to finding a wife for the wealthy but humourless business owner Horace Vandergelder, only planning to marry Horace herself. 

The show is tremendously lead by veteran actor Imelda Staunton at the top of her game as the titled character. Staunton’s portrayal of Dolly Levi is exactly what we expect from the character and more. Every time we see Dolly we feel comfortably welcome in her presence yet also curious. We don’t always know what she’s thinking, but can tell she has everything planned exactly as she wants. This allows the contrast between Dolly and her hotheaded foil Horace (played by Andy Nyman) to really show.

“Hello Dolly” also features the equally lovable characters Cornelius Hackle, Barnaby Tucker, Irene Malloy and Minnie Fay as they explore New York with “elegance”. The comedy from Harry Hepple (Follies), Tyrone Huntley (Dreamgirls), Jenna Russell (Flowers for Mrs Harris) and Emily Lane (Frozen) is not only gut-bustingly funny to watch, but also performed with such precision in the choreography of their slapstick. So much so that I would’ve happily watched the “Malloy’s Millinery” scene all over again. 

The main characters are supported with excellence by the immensely talented ensemble of actor/dancers, bringing all scenes to life. Something I have noticed when a West End show brings in a high profile actor to take the lead role, is that the ensemble often takes most of the weight for the big dance scenes. For Imelda Staunton this is not the case at all. You can see the skill and talent showcased perfectly within both main characters and ensemble. A perfect example of this would be during the musical number “Hello Dolly” a real treat for the eyes!

While the sets have a classic feel and look about them, allowing swift scene changes that don’t keep the audience waiting too long, “Hello Dolly” also features very impressive technology and effects. The use of moving floors and scenery projections, plus a large train crossing from one side of the stage to the other all offer an extra diverting experience!

Though I enjoyed my visit to the Palladium over all, my one bit of constructive criticism is that the ushers forgot to close the curtains towards the end of my seat. The bright light in my peripheral vision was a little distracting with the curtains left open. But with that said, it was only left open for the first scene of Act 2. A nitpick, but something for the Palladium staff to be mindful of.

“Hello Dolly” is a sublime showcase of the masterful talent London’s glittering West End has to offer. All courtesy of the creative visionary that is Dominic Cooke who had previously directed “Follies” at the National Theatre, which also starred Imelda Staunton. 

The perfect excuse to “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” and head to the Palladium. Because this show has got “Elegance” and “It Only Takes A Moment” to be mesmerised!