FOLLIES

The Broadway production of Follies opened in 1971, nominated for 11 Tony awards winning 7, in one of the most costly productions ever. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Goldman.

Faded glamour girls meet for a party thrown by Weismann played by Mike Taylor, 30 years on as the Theatre where they once performed is about to be turned into a car park (nothing changes!)

Nora Howcrofts’ production is the perfect foil for the older actress with a plethora of parts available. The story of obsessive behaviour, neurosis and self-indulgence to name a few are played out in Follies.

Phyllis Rogers Stone, played by Vicki Wilson embodied the bitter wife actually still in love with her husband wonderfully, strutting her stuff and singing the songs that drew you in to care about this character - I love it when you see an actor give everything! “The Story of Lucy and Jessie” song being a particular favourite of mine and Lara Syddall’s choreography coming into play.

Benjamin Stone played by John Preston the husband who doesn’t know what he has until he nearly loses her, complemented Vicki’s character well, and you could see the chemistry on stage.

Various members of the cast turned out notable performances, having their turn in the spotlight to tell their story of the past and we had a peek into a bygone era. I would particularly like to mention Hattie Walker played by Julie Ogden who commanded from an unlikely upstage position with Broadway Baby.

Also Adrienne Wormaid who Played Carlotta Campion the woman who has a different man every year and more if she can fit them in. I think the term cougar could be used and Adrienne certainly gave us sass. “I’m Still Here” was sung with feeling and a tinge of sadness. Supported wonderfully by the Musical Director Tim Power and his assistant Tom Bowes and orchestra.

Young Buddy played by Jonathan Allen, Young Ben Played by Tom Gillard, Young Sally Played by Katie Ryding and Young Phyllis played by Zoe Pollitt characters were used for the flash-backs and helped the audience fill in the gaps of how the warring couples ended up  dressed in white, their ghostly presence complemented the story, shadowing the scenes without intruding.

There were some first night nerves with lines and some challenging scene changes due to exiting the stage that I am sure the cast will overcome.

Well done Walmsley cast and crew. Thank you for inviting me and making my guest and I feel so welcome - your hospitality was very much appreciated!

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