Follies

Imelda Staunton leads an all-star cast in a stupendous revival of Follies at the National Theatre

A farewell party on stage at the Weismann Theatre – which is about to be demolished – brings together a group of former showgirls. As they reminisce over careers and love, ghosts of their younger selves flit around them. Two couples in particular – Sally and Buddy, Phyllis and Ben – find the past catching up with them as the night goes on, with emotional and highly-charged consequences.

The cast is led by award-winning actress Imelda Staunton (Sweeney Todd, Gypsy) and features Tracie Bennett (End of the Rainbow, Mrs Henderson Presents) and Janie Dee (Carousel, Hello Dolly), with direction by Dominic Cooke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom). Music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim (Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods), from a book by James Goldman (The Lion in Winter).