“Broadway Baby” – Follies returns to the National by Johnathan Elderfield

Five-star reviews for the production of Follies, which spent 12 weeks at the National

By Johnathan Elderfield

Phyllis in Follies

Follies is a play about the reunion in a New York theatre that is out of sync with the times, right before it opens its doors for the last time before it's demolished.

Written by James Goldman with music by Stephen Sondheim, the play is based around one last hurrah – a reminiscence of old times, with drinkers and dancers.

Set in the 70s, the clever plot hops back and forth between the present (1971) and the past (1941).

“I’ve never been to the theatre before, coming from Aus. But I loved it," said Rory Luke, 27.

"I actually needed the toilet halfway through which was annoying, but the music was great, as was the acting and the location,” said Luke, who recently moved from Australia to Angel in north London.

The costumes in this magical production are nothing short of spectacular.

“As tough as it was – changes being fact and frequent – I really enjoyed working on this production," says Marianne Chase, 32, from Watford, who is a costume designer for Follies.

"I actually found myself at various points of the production, miming the words to various songs when there was time between changes.”

To go to the National Theatre is also a joy. Positioned in the heart of the South Bank overlooking the Thames, it is beautiful as the sun comes down and the exterior lights illuminate their artistic building.

Follies opened on Broadway nearly 50 years ago in 1971. It was an immediate success and soon started to tour globally.

As for the National Theatre, it is something London should be very proud of, especially the theatre – the home of Follies for the last 12 weeks – huge in size, allowing a versatility that welcomes incredible productions like Follies.

“The Oliver Theatre is enormous; I didn’t realise the scale of these sorts of shows until I walked in. It was my first time at the National and it is something I think I’d like to get into.” Jenifer Crothers, 27, from Norfolk.

Follies returns in June for an additional show, it will then return next year at the National.

If it is possible, Follies is well worth the money, only two hours long, the production leaves audiences dazzled.