Hello Dolly is a timeless classic and I was very pleased that Director Dominic Cooke honoured this and gave us a heartwarming production without any gimmicks or trying too hard. From the moment the orchestra struck its first notes, the audience were captivated.
Imelda Staunton, embodied the heart of Hello Dolly. She had everyone eating out of the palm of her hand and never more so than in the added number 'Look,
love in my window'.
Andy Nyman as Horace Vandergelder gave a fresh take to the role, no longer a grumpy old grouch as played by Walter Matthau in the film version but we got to see the inner workings of the man who had worked his way up from humble beginnings and he was a very suitable match for Dolly in more ways than just money.
Harry Hepple as Cornelius and Tyrone Huntley as Barnaby were also a delight. Their comedy timing was on point and the characters came across very strongly. They were a joy to watch.
Jenna Russell was a nice Irene Molloy although I felt a little old and staid in the role against Hepple and her rendition of 'Ribbons Down my Back' felt quote slow but she was well paired with Emily Lane as the bouncy Minnie Fay who gave us some lovely comedic moments too.
Both Ermengarde (Emily Langham) and Ambrose (Michael Lin) worked well together and made up the love couple quartet.
The dancing in the show was slick and although not complicated was sharp and together. In particular the men in the waiters gallop and the Hello Dolly number. The numbers just ran one into the other and the orchestra under the baton of Nicholas Skilbeck gave us a fabulous sound..
In accordance with the whole production, the set was simple but clever with the back screen video and minimalist pieces of set. The costumes were pleasant but I was surprised however, that in many outdoor scenes the cast were not wearing gloves which would have been expected at that time. Also the waiters in the Harmonia Gardens would have been wearing white gloves for silver service etc.
This was an honest and true production, with a warm and gentle elegance and one that I would definitely go to see again.
If you can get tickets then you must. This is London West End Theatre at its best.
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