Hello, Dolly! - London Palladium (2024)

Front looks fine from the photo.

I think it looks better there than it does usually. I don't think the black background helps

That sounds positive. Does the set fill the stage? (Not a beauty and the beast situation lol)

That's something good then as the set designer doesn't have a history of lush design.

Dolly understudies are Jodie Jacobs and Wendy-Lee Purdy.

Very very good! Imelda is a wonderful Dolly and heads up a strong cast. I found it took a good 20 or so to get going. It gets stronger as it continues particularly during the harmonia gardens scene and for the title number (which got a standing ovation). I had the hugest smile on my face for most of act two

Good use of the travelator and screens, fairly minimalistic set overall. The choreography was very good. This is two areas where it just doesn’t (and can’t) match the recent Broadway revival.

Overall, a great production which I’m sure will tighten during previews.

Still debating if I should book first row or do the lottery/rush.
If I go for a first row seat, should I choose seats on the left (stage right) or right (stage left)? No central seats available for the dates I can attend, but there are still some aisle seats at the sides…

Five stars from me - perfect at times. Stellar performances and superb orchestra. An absolute joy to watch. Nice to say hi to FrontrowverPaul and other Theatreboard members.

(EDIT - I was sat A13 behind the conductor slightly restricted view due to height of stage but perfect for the orchestra. If you can get row A, do it.)

There's an overture and entr'acte - both played traditionally with the curtain down, sounded great though could be louder.

After overture curtain rises to reveal Dolly, who sings Just Leave Everything To Me which goes into Call On Dolly.

So different from the traditional Call on Dolly ensemble opening leading to the train entrance and Dolly-putting-newspaper-down entrance ?

Easy 5 stars from me and my first ever time seeing Hello Dolly.
Huge cast, 36 and 21 in the orchestra.
Loved the staging with some really beautiful sets especially the Harmonia Gardens restaurant and that staircase. There is even a train. Good use of the 2 travelators.
It looked and sounded gorgeous.
Some lovely dance numbers from the big ensemble, and fabulous costumes.
The leads were excellent, Andy Nyman, Jenna Russell, Tyrone Huntley and Harry Hepple.
And as for Imelda, I am going to steal someone else's description, she was sublime. She brought so much humour to the role but there was also a lot of tenderness. Mid show standing ovation for the big number.
Audience reaction was, as you would expect for a first preview, amazing with standing ovation before they had even finished singing at the end.
Its a classy show and you can see it hasn't been done on the cheap.

Just a minor thing, I am not sure about the 2 curtained booths in the restaurant as I think they are asking for things to go wrong with them opening and closing. However for a first preview it was pretty damm good with no major hiccups.
Programme is a tenner but its really big with loads of rehearsal pictures and lots of articles to read.

One thing for the bad behaviour thread. The overture started just as England were taking the penalties and several people around me were watching on their phones including a woman sat behind me who also had the commentary on. I told her to turn it off, she said sorry and then couldn't figure out how to turn the volume down for about 20 seconds. Seriously, if the footie is more important then stay at home and watch it!
Mr Staunton was in the audience.

Michael Harrison is going to compete with himself for best musical revival next year!