Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: London Palladium 
Cast: Imelda Staunton, Andy Nyman, Jenna Russell, Tyrone Huntley, Harry Hepple and Emily Lane

Dominic Cooke's production of Hello, Dolly! was set to open with leading lady, Imelda Staunton, back in 2020. Due to the pandemic, the show was pushed back until 2024. And after much anticipation, the much-loved iconic musical is back on London's West End. Having first premiered in the 60's, the production has stood the test of time well and although it has that old-school class that such musicals possess, it somehow manages to appear fresh and exciting.

Hello, Dolly! is set in the late 1800's and follows the story of widower, Dolly Levi. She's used to matchmaking for others, but nowadays is looking for a second chance at love herself - and she has her sights set on Horace Vandergelder. The musical having been written in the 1960's with a middle-aged female widower at its heart was a huge step forward for women in musical theatre. For this reason, Dolly is still one of the most beloved musical characters. 

With love at its heart, this show could easily become predictable and cheesy, but Michael Stewart's book keeps the story both emotional and feel-good throughout. The music and lyrics by Jerry Herman are what make this production stand out from the rest. With a sweeping and masterful orchestra, led by Nicholas Skelbeck - live music has never sounded as good as it did filling every corner of one of the West End's biggest theatres. 

The Palladium stage is huge and it could have been easy for the actors to feel lost on stage, but the grandeur of the sets from Rae Smith are something the West End has only ever seen in its longest running shows, like Phantom of the Opera. Paired with the costumes (also by Rae Smith), we're transported back the 19th century with ease, and it works as a true reminder how magical theatre can be.

The production is full of showstopping numbers and performed in the way they should be; full of energy, charm and wit. "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Hello, Dolly!", were clear standouts of the evening and a chance to see the principal cast and its ensemble at their very finest. However, quieter moments such as "It Only Takes a Moment" and "Look, Love in My Window" were both needed and heart-warming. 

The majority of this excitement for me came from Imelda Staunton playing the leading lady herself. Having seen Staunton as the iconic Mrs Lovett over twelve years ago, I was incredibly excited to see her tackle another musical theatre legend. From her previous work on stage and screen, she has absolutely nothing to prove - but once again, she showcases just how utterly brilliant she is. Her comedic timing is unlike anyone I've ever seen, and paired with her impeccable vocals and acting, she provides one of the greatest West End performances of all time. A Shakespeare quote instantly comes to mind: "though she be but little, she is fierce" - and she can dominate a stage like no other.

While the entire cast exudes talent in every way, standout performances come from Tyrone Huntley (Barnaby) and Emily Lane (Minnie). Lane in particular has much less stage time than other principals, but she lights up the stage at every opportunity, and her chemistry with Huntley is joyful and naïve; as every new young love should be. 

There are times when you sit in a theatre and just feel such gratitude that you're getting to experience a masterpiece of, not just its time, but present day too - and Hello, Dolly! is a prime example of that. It's hard to articulate how truly beautiful this show is. It's traditional musical theatre at its absolute finest, and a word to the West End - "look out, old Dolly is back".

You can book tickets to see Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium, here.