Hello, Dolly! reviews heap praise on Imelda Staunton ahead of show ope | Theatre | Entertainment
Hello, Dolly! is a classic show that has needed a revitalisation for some time.
Enter: Dominic Cooke’s sensational new adaptation with Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton playing the titular heroine.
This is a big change for the show, as it makes the title character a middle-aged woman, rather than a young widow.
Earlier this week, the first batch of reviews were released after the release night kicked off – and they were overwhelmingly positive.
The Daily Express‘ Neil Norman particularly praised Staunton’s performance, calling her a “powerhouse”.
Norman wrote: “There is no denying the powerhouse performance of Imelda Staunton who embraces the role with characteristic energy and intelligence, bringing light and shade to Dolly that only a serious actor at the top of her game could achieve.”
The Guardian was just as positive with its huge five-star review.
“At its core,” they wrote. “Is a deeply serious message: that it is never too late to reach for happiness, and that we must all do so. ‘My heart is about to burst,’ the chorus sings. Same here.”
inews concurred with yet another five-star review dropped overnight, titled “Staunton will be talked about for years to come”.
Writer Fiona Mountford said: “It is delightful to be able to say that right here is a landmark theatrical production that will be talked about for years to come. Don’t miss it.”
However, there were a few cracks of criticism buried within some of the praise-filled reviews.
Express’ Norman noted: “The choreography lacks focus and there is an untidiness in the corps that will tighten up in time; the dancing waiters – beautifully caparisoned as they are in magenta velvet – requires some serious torquing. “
Likewise, The Independent has a couple of pointers in its four-star review.
They wrote: “Detractors are more likely to be bothered by the thinness of a plot where only Staunton’s Dolly has real agency or complexity, and even that only goes so deep.”
Tickets for Hello, Dolly! are out right now, and it’s running until September 14, 2024, at the London Palladium.
Here’s where you can get your tickets now:
