Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing two very different yet equally captivating musicals in London: ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and Starlight Express. These productions couldn’t be more contrasting in style, yet each offered a unique and memorable theatre experience.
‘Hello, Dolly!’, starring the incomparable Imelda Staunton, was a masterclass in traditional musical theatre. The production was a celebration of classic Broadway, complete with big dance numbers and a live orchestra that brought the emotional arcs of the story to life. Staunton’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Her dramatic interpretation of the role was impeccable, with every muscle in her face contributing to the portrayal of Dolly’s wit and emotional depth. I particularly noted her use of both her index and middle fingers when pointing, a subtle yet powerful gesture that I hadn’t considered before. It’s a technique I might incorporate into my own performances. The titular song and dance routine, performed by Dolly and the waiting staff, was a showstopper, earning a standing ovation from some of the audience midshow.
The staging of Hello, Dolly! was equally impressive. The use of a backlit backdrop with moving images paired with a treadmill helped create the illusion of characters on the move, adding a dynamic layer to the storytelling. The restaurant scene, with its central staircase, brought to mind the decadent ballroom from a La Traviata production designed by Christine Jones. My compliments to the set designer for creating such an opulent atmosphere. A special mention must be made of the hat shop scene, which reminded me of a classic moment from Le nozze di Figaro when Cherubino is hiding—a delightful, comedic highlight that young directors could learn from.
On the other hand, Starlight Express offered a completely different experience. While the music itself was not as strong as in Hello, Dolly!—the tunes were a bit repetitive, with lyrics that didn’t always advance the story—the production value was through the roof. The futuristic set design transported me to a space race track in another realm, complete with LED lights along the tracks and clever use of traffic lights to aid in storytelling. The energy of the performers, who were constantly in motion on roller skates, was impressive. One interesting observation I made was how the performers often stopped on their tiptoes to sing powerful moments, which seemed to cause some strain if they kept their legs straight. From a singer’s perspective, I’d recommend bending the legs slightly to maintain a straighter torso and reduce tension. If I ever find myself singing on roller skates, I’ll certainly be working closely with a Pilates instructor or Alexander technique practitioner to master these demands!
I attended Starlight Express with my brother Matt and brother-in-law Alex, and Hello, Dolly! with Matt alone. Going to musicals with Matt always brings back fond memories of our childhood, where summer holidays in London were often highlighted by trips to the West End. There’s something about being in Covent Garden and the West End that brings that holiday feeling back, no matter the time of year.
Overall, I would highly recommend both shows. Hello, Dolly! is an all-around success that I believe will resonate with a wide audience, particularly young directors looking for inspiration in comedic timing and staging. Starlight Express might appeal more to those interested in the technical and visual aspects of theatre, as its production value and costume design were truly impressive.
Having seen both shows, Hello Dolly in NYC and Starlight Express in Germany, I Agee with your review of each. Can’t say much about the bended leg and voice stress but you certainly would know. I saw these shows over 30 years ago and am surprised that are still being produced.
Good shows are the backbone of theatre. Sometimes shows are mothballed too soon, Phantom the Maury Yeston version is one of my favourite musicals to sing yet I’ve never seen a full show. When you are in the conservatoire you spend so long critiquing and analysing singing on stage of other performers to discuss ways to improve what you can hear it is a hard habit to break 😊.
Best wishes
Charlotte
We non-professionals just enjoy ourselves.
Sounds like a lot of fun, even though the music in Starlight Express wasn’t as satisfying. The costumes and staging in SE look great in the photos.
Great fun. It was Matt’s birthday so he loves a theatre birthday treat. They certainly seem to have big budgets for the sets and costumes in these shows.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I worked Dolly many times with various stars in the lead. I worked Stardust once. Turned it down from then on.
I see it is a big hit in London’s West End and in Germany.
Nice post, Charlotte
I’d love to sing in a big show like Hello Dolly, I think Calamity Jane is one of my favourites. I would imagine it is a very challenging show for all the crew and exhausting although Matt and I did discuss asking my parents if they still had our old rollerblades 😂. We’d possibly break a leg is we did it now thats the only problem.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Musically I like Jane better than Dolly.
Me too.
Imelda Staunton one of my favorites so I know that had to be a fabulous experience!
I grew up with Carol Channing and Barbra Streisand and Hello Dolly, but I can imagine Staunton getting standing ovations!!
Glad you had the opportunity to go with your brother and brother-in-law. You can’t beat the memories!
I saw her in Sweeny Todd a few years back, that show was absolutely fabulous and I can recommend it on stage if you ever get the chance to see it. We always try to see a show around Matt’s birthday as a treat.
Best wishes Sheila,
Charlotte
They look like great shows, Charlotte! ❤️😎
I hope you are well John, I have been doing a lot of planning and preparation over the summer and actually got around to taking a couple of weeks holiday with all the family abroad which is a rare treat.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I am, thank you, Charlotte. I’m glad you had time with family! Be well. 😊❤️
I Absolutely love Imelda Staunton. Thank you for these reviews.
So do I Joseph, I saw her in Sweeney Todd a few years ago she was fabulous in that too. I hope that you are well.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I am well. Best Regards JE
Insightful reviews with a touch of fond memories
Thank you Derrick, I used to rollerblade with my brother when we were little we were reminiscing about asking my parents if they still had our skates until Matt reminded me we might break something if we tried 😂.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🙂
Good to see Matt and Alex again and hearing you all had a good time!
I just saw Hello Dolly! with my sister this weekend! I thought it was the greatest stage production I had ever been fortunate enough to see 😊 I enjoyed it even more than the film version.
Did you get the encore of the title song after the standing ovation? We did.
Imelda Staunton is incredible. I have a good memory myself, but I DO NOT know how she managed to keep all those lines straight, particularly in ‘Just Leave Everything to Me’ where she never even seemed to stop for breath!
Best regards,
Cate
It was a great show. It sounds like you enjoyed it as much as I.
I do not recall an encore.
So pleased you got to see Hello Dolly, yes we had an encore half way too good to know it’s consistently good especially when recommending it.
Imelda Staunton is fantastic, I loved her in Sweeney Todd did you get to see that?
Best wishes
Charlotte
I see a lot of them because they live quite close to George and me. Alex has just completed a marathon he runs, we watch 😂. We’ve just had a lovely family holiday together the first time in ages got over to the States.
Best wishes GP,
Charlotte
Outstanding!! So happy to hear all that news.
Two great shows, Charlotte. I really enjoyed the “Hello Dolly” film, starring Barbara Streisand. I’ve always been a fan of Ms. Streisand.
I learnt Don’t Rain on My Parade because I loved hearing Barbara Streisand singing that.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I just LOVE LIVE theatre (both watching and performing) make it musical theatre, and I am hooked. I appreciate the observations (I used to think I was one of the only people in the audience who sat there thinking such things). Thank you for sharing these moments and how they moved you. xx
I’ve always loved musical theatre to be honest most of the shows I’ve seen are musicals, once I went to the conservatoire I started to add operas starting at Scottish Opera then the Royal Opera House when I moved to London. I took the children from school to see Matilda it was fabulous watching it with them.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I guess I’ll have to stay in London a bit to see such great shows… 😉
Yes, you should definitely give Hello Dolly a go!
Made a note of it. Thank you. (No idea when my next trip to London might be though…)
If you’ve not visited for a while you should 😊. One of my favourite musicals of all time was Ghost but it’s not on the West End all the time. I hope you are well and had a lovely summer.
Best wishes
Charlotte
We were in London in 2022. Not the best of stays. AirbnB accommodations were substandard, and my wife got COVID… So she was secluded for almost the entire stay… Better luck next time.
All the best to you Charlotte.
As a kid I remember my parents going to see ‘Hello Dolly’ and talking about it endlessly ~ so loved this post (and your incredible photography). Nothing quite like watching musicals/operas/plays – connections between the audience and artists 🙂
Not all of the photographs are mine some are from the show. I’m glad you got to see the show. We usually go each year around Matt’s birthday.
Best wishes
Charlotte
“Hello Dolly” is a classic. It sounds like you had a blast and really enjoyed the show.
“Starlight Express” sounds like quite an intriguing production on the tech front, but not as much on the story/performance front.
All in all, sounds like you had a fab time!
Have you ever considered working in theatre? It seems next door to opera, in a sense.
Have a wonderful time back at the school!
Best always, Resa
I auditioned once for Christine in Phantom of the Opera I did well but on the final audition I was ill and couldn‘t attend so lost that opportunity. Musical Theatre is even more difficult to break into for a soloist than Opera although I have two friends that have successful careers in Theatre they found agents very early on and one was selected for the West End on a tv talent show, I think that is half the battle won.
I’ve just completed my first week back, had a fabulous week. George has just been performing in Romania but he‘s back now so I‘ll get a practice in with him later 😊.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
Thank you for taking the time to write this generous reply.
As one of your biggest fans, it means a lot.
It really is crazy how hard it is to have a career in the arts.
I know this first hand.
You are doing brilliantly.
I wish I was there to attend the performance with you and George.
The 2 of you would be shining stars on a world tour.
Yes, I know, backers needed. Still, one never knows what is around the corner. I know that first hand, too!
Be well!
Resa
🌹❦