Theatre Review Follies Playhouse Theatre Liverpool

 

Well known for its first performance on Broadway in 1971 and for winning the Tony Award for Best Score, this legendary musical has been performed across the world with many well-known stars such as Imelda Staunton, Diana Rigg and Elaine Paige.

The show portrays the last reunion of Weismann’s Follies in the theatre where the performers once were dressed up to the nines and sang their hearts out between the wars, before the demolition of the theatre.  Dmitri Weismann (Frank Nance) is presiding over the party as they reminisce, singing songs by Sondheim, about their past lives and how life has treated them over the years. The four main characters, Sally (Linzi Stefanov) and Phyllis (Gina Phillips) and the stage-door johnnies, Buddy (Chris Simmons) and Benjamin (Jonty Barnes), whom they married, take centre stage with their lives unfolding listing regrets and trying hard to deal with the nostalgia.  The ladies are haunted by their pasts and  their younger selves are portrayed by girls in stunning costumes, acting out their past and observing their future in this complex show.

This production, from the book by writer, James Goldman, is a must for Sondheim fans and the audience was abundant with them at this performance; they enjoyed every song and every moment giving rousing applause and appreciation.

Directed and choreographed by James Lacey with musical direction from Trish Gaskill the show is awash with songs, dancing and tap dancing. The opening set is dark, depicting the inside of the theatre with the large cast suitably attired for the party during the 1971 era  with wardrobe by Lesleyann Walsh. Spotlights are put to use as each of the party members sing.

This production is known for it’s complex score as the music is notoriously intricate with vocalists requiring a high level of classical technique, stamina and the ability to handle dissonant melodies plus requiring the performers to be able to act, sing and dance. The plot deals with immense emotional depth with the leads portraying their bitter middle-aged selves and the ghosts of their youth plus the show incorporates a very large ensemble cast.

Follies is a nostalgic love letter to the theatre and the performers and musicals of yesteryear and this production was greatly appreciated by the full house audience.

BOST Musicals is one of the city region’s most respected amateur companies, this production is their first in a new 5-year residency hosted at the Playhouse.

This production runs from  5th – 6th June 2026. For more details see https://everymanplayhouse.com/event/bost-musicals-presents-follies

Reviewer: Anne Pritchard

On: 6^th June 2026