Hello, Dolly! - London Palladium (2024)

Imelda is filming The Crown from 2021-23.. I’m worried it won’t happen at all if it doesn’t open this summer.

As suggestion, could this mounted without Imelda if she is unavailable and another credible ‘name’ is cast instead, or is this a production a case of no Imelda no production?

Yeah, for me I don't know what Imelda would do with Dolly. Perhaps I'm thinking too much about Streisand's portrayal and don't get me wrong, I loved Imelda in Gypsy and think she's one of our best but I think that there are definitely other actresses who might be more suited to this role. Nonetheless, it would be a huge pity to not see this open and I think with Dominic Cooke and Bill Deamer working together, this will definitely be a theatrical highlight.

Says someone who clearly never saw her in 'Anything Goes' or 'The Drowsy Chaperone'. What a thoroughly ungracious post.

Although I personally don't like the film version, when it was released Barbra Streisand was only 27. Let's just reflect on that for a moment; Barbra Streisand was 27, playing opposite 49 year old Walter Matthau.

Although it is, of course, all pretend, Andy Nyman turned 54 just a few days ago, Imelda Staunton is 64 and Elaine Paige is 72!

I've certainly seen her being funny in the past.

Imelda has turned into a grimacing gargoyle.  I couldn't even watch Follies until after she'd been replaced.  She would un-sell any show to me (and in retrospect, I realize she was the only thing I hated about Into the Woods at the Phoenix, when she wasn't nearly so well-known.  Ian Bartholomew, on the other hand, was a delight).

Josie Lawrence would be interesting and Dawn French could be incredible, but I was just thinking about people who might get cast rather than dream casting.

Think Josie Lawrence would be fabulous, possibly Tracie Bennett as she was brilliant as Mame although I'd prefer them simply to transfer Mame in as I'd love to see it again. Of course, this is all assumption and Imelda may well be able to fit new dates in around other projects

Harriet Thorpe would be fabulous but she's not a bankable name.

Ria or Tracie would put me off I have to say, I can't cope with their voices for extended periods of time!

There was an interview with Michael Harrison in The Stage a week or so ago where he said: "I have five shows planned to open in the West End this year and one way or another I’m making them all happen" - which, of course, is suitably vague but clearly is considering options. As the whole production is built around Imelda Staunton - I'd have thought that her availably will be the starting point. It's also possible that production on the final season of The Crown will be delayed as most film and TV schedules are being pushed back by several months - which will have a knock-on effect even on things which aren't scheduled to go into production for 12-18 months.

I DID which is exactly why I said that.. thankyou..

So you hate Elaine Paige, Tracey Bennet, Ria Jones etc. I wouldn't cross the street to see Imelda Staunton but I can fully appreciate that others would and respect that totally. There really is no need to be so personal and rude. Criticism is fine, as is expressing a personal view, but it's just unpleasant to be so churlish and dismissive of performers with long track records and who have delighted audiences for decades.

Imelda has become the hammiest ham in Ham-town. I am baffled by her popularity. I'll stick with my memories of Bette, thanks.