Natasha Blair enjoys the revival of this musical classic
The revival of the hit musical Hello Dolly starring multi-Oliver and BAFTA Award winning Imelda Staunton is at the London Palladium until September 14. Stanton has the task of taking on the role of Dolly Levi, made famous by Barbara Streisand in the film of the same name.
Set in America in the fifties, Dolly is the iconic match-maker/fixer who has designs on her latest client, wealthy but miserly Horace Vandergelder, played by Andy Nyman.
The show opens with Dolly on her way to Yonkers to visit Vandergelder to tell him about a suitable match in New York. Dolly’s husband has passed away, and she now decides that it’s time for her to find another husband, and she sets her sights on Vandergelder.
At Vandergelder’s work place we meet two of his clerks who are forced to work for him seven days a week on minimum pay. We also meet his niece and her fiancé who Vandergelder disapproves of. Dolly persuades his niece, her finance and Horace’s two clerks to come to New York.
Vandergelder plans to marry as he thinks it will be a cheap way to get a housekeeper with dialogue that provides several good laughs. He, of course, hasn’t reckoned with Dolly Levi!
Louis Armstrong’s recording of Hello Dolly became a number one single in 1964. Other memorable songs include ‘It only takes a moment’ and ‘It takes a Women’ but they are of an era, and the show is certainly very dated. However, the audience loved it, and the cast received loud cheers and a standing ovation. If you love nostalgia, this is a show for you, and a chance to see Imelda Stanton live on stage.
London Palladium, Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF.
https://www.lovetovisit.com/uk-attractions/london-palladium/hello-dolly?affiliate=poppy123
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