Hello Dolly!

Well Hello Dolly! it was so nice to see Knowle back on stage where they belong.

The last few years during the pandemic has really taken its toll in more ways than we would care to imagine on many of the local societies however it was uplifting to read that even when Knowle were not able to perform on stage they were thankfully able to commemorate their 60-year anniversary with a celebratory reunion dinner for members past and present.

I was really looking forward to seeing the production not only to see the talented performers but also having heard through the grapevine that the production team had opted for a massive point of difference by incorporating projected scenery, lighting and animation throughout. Some of these stunning visuals enabled the cast to be outside walking the sidewalk one moment then seamlessly they were then transported inside the buildings.

One of my favourite scenes being the train station. There was effective mixing of both projection and the use of traditional set for some scenes eg Vandergelde’s Hay and Feed store ,Mrs Malloys hat shop and also the booths inside Harmonia Gardens to name a few I recall.

Whilst the scenery set the scenes the performances, orchestration and fabulous costumes added  to the overall enjoyment of the complete production. 

Helen Gibbs played the inimitable Mrs Dolly Levi, many theatre lovers consider Dolly to be one of the most iconic female roles that always features on many a leading ladies bucket list .Helens superb characterisation and stage presence were enhanced by each and every  costume change as each one suited her and her persona  perfectly, fabulous.

The  intentional annoying  tone of  Minnie Fay’s voice was  bought to life throughout by Dani Godwin who  whilst working in The Hat shop of Irene Malloy played  by Louise Keeling ,who sang “ Ribbons Down My Back “ beautifully.They encounter a likely pair of naive clerks in Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker played by Nigel Summers-Brown and Simon Chinery-North respectively who were paying a visit to New York  on a mission to have an adventure being determined to get a kiss from a pretty girl whilst pretending to be rich (in reality they were on a very tight budget)not forgetting a wish to see the stuffed whale in Barnum museum.

Dolly certainly had her renowned matchmaking abilities stretched to the absolute limit when trying to find the grumpy well known ‘half a millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder a suitable wife, played by Laurence Marshall. I enjoyed seeing his reaction when faced with his latest match the mature eccentric heiress Ernestina Money ,the audience laughed out loud at many of  Joan Ransom’s facial expressions as she really made the most of the part.

We also saw another match with Horace’s niece Ermengarde  played with necessary weeping throughout  by Izabelle Mellors ,she being desperately in love and wishing to marry Ambrose Kemper who was played by the talented James Woodward who has amazing stage presence in everything I’ve seen him in on stage to date. I loved “Put On Your Sunday Clothes.”

Without mentioning every named in the programme all of the above were supported well by a strong ensemble who along with a bevy of competent dancers succeeded in bringing to life the many well-known chorus numbers including “Call On Dolly” , “Dancing”, and  the unforgettable energetic “Waiters Gallop” that interspersed with the dialogue and interaction  from the booths appeared as if this was probably the favourite chorus number. However most memorable for me was when Dolly was in Harmonia Gardens eating the expensive meal with exasperated Horace during which she repeatedly tells him that no matter what he says, she will NOT marry him!

Musical Director Melanie ensured the orchestra did not overpower the cast as can often be the case.

Congratulations to everyone concerned on an entertaining enjoyable production. Hello Dolly! truly was a fitting celebration of Knowle Musical Society being back on stage at The Core, thank you so much again for the invitation, hopefully I am looking forward to seeing Crazy For You in 2024.

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