Theatre: Hello Dolly!
This year’s showcase is Hello Dolly!, an energetic and upbeat musical comedy about New York’s best-known matchmaker, Dolly Levi, who faces the challenge of her career when she falls in love herself. It has all the comic misunderstandings, witty repartees, and compromising anecdotes needed for an entertaining musical, and with a score of catchy tunes such as It Only Takes a Moment and Put On Your Sunday Clothes, it’s definitely not to be missed.
Olivier award-winning actress Samantha Spiro shines in her role as Dolly and is accompanied by a high calibre cast with the likes of Allan Corduner (Defiance), Claire Louise Connolly (Mamma Mia!) and Daniel Crossley (Heartbeat) also making an appearance. In fact this supporting cast are arguably the unsung heroes of the show as it’s their non-stop enthusiasm and vigour that maintains the tempo from start to finish.
Hello Dolly! is immaculately put together and the outdoor setting really adds to the atmosphere; there’s something special about sitting out under the stars. Tickets can be purchased alongside a pre-performance picnic, so it’s the perfect way to maximise the last few summer evenings whilst you can.
Obviously the British weather can’t be guaranteed so if you’re not willing to take the risk – although tickets for rained off performances will be exchanged – you can purchase a reduced-price seat on the night for one of the prime positioned grassy banks on either side of the stage.
Runs until 12th September, Regent’s Park; openairtheatre.org
