We’re thrilled to introduce our first cast members for Follies coming to the Grand Opera House Belfast from 13-20 September
Anna-Jane Casey as Sally Durrant Plummer
Annette McLaughlin as Phyllis Rogers Stone
Mark Dugdale as Buddy Plummer
Alasdair Harvey as Benjamin Stone
Jacqueline Dankworth MBE as Carlotta Campion
Allison Harding as Hattie Walker
And, just announced this week, one of the world’s most celebrated classical singers and acclaimed British soprano Lesley Garrett CBE will be performing the role of opera singer Heidi Schiller.
The opera legend says of her role in this new production of Follies: ‘I’m so excited to be coming back to Belfast and especially to be making my debut with Northern Ireland Opera at the age of 70! Sondheim’s Follies is a masterpiece and I’m delighted to have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to perform the iconic role of Heidi Schiller. Come and join me on this fabulous adventure!”
Starring in the iconic roles of former roommates and showgirls reuniting after thirty years, Sally Plummer and Phyllis Stone, are renowned musical theatre and West-End stars Anna-Jane Casey (CATS, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT, GREASE, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, WEST SIDE STORY, CHICAGO) who has performed in leading roles in countless West-End productions for over four decades and Annette McLaughlin (PLAYER KINGS,SCANDAL TOWN, MATILDA THE MUSICAL, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, CHICAGO) whose extensive career has spanned musicals on Broadway to the RSC at Stratford Upon Avon.
Best friends Buddy Palmer and Benjamin Stone are played by Belfast’s own Mark Dugdale (COME FROM AWAY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, JERSEY BOYS, THE COMMITMENTS) andmuch sought-after West-End star Alasdair Harvey (COME FROM AWAY, BIG LITTLE LIES, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, GUYS AND DOLLS, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, WE WILL ROCK YOU) respectively. Both are highly experienced West-End actors who have appeared in an incredible roster of hit shows.
Music theatre royalty and one of the UK’s finest jazz vocalists Jacqueline Dankworth MBE,cast in Sondheim’s original West End debut of Into The Woods in 1990, returns to the stage in her first Sondheim musical in thirty years to play the role of Carlotta Campion, a character who arguably sings one of the show’s most recognised musical standards ‘I’m Still Here’.
West End performer and TV actress Allison Harding (INTO THE WOODS, NI OPERA; SISTER ACT and Olivier Award winning RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET)now based in Belfast, currently appearing in hit TV detective series Ellis plays Hattie Walker, the tough-talking, no-nonsense showgirl who sings the legendary showstopping number ‘Broadway Baby’. Further casting to be announced shortly.Follies is set in 1971: the girls of Weismann’s Follies are returning with their partners to the decaying theatre on Broadway, which holds so many memories for them, for one last time before it is demolished.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman, directed by Cameron Menzies this legendary work features unforgettable songs including‘Broadway Baby’, ‘I’m Still Here’, ‘Could I Leave You’ and ‘Losing My Mind’.
Our new production will feature a cast and ensemble of more than sixty artists on stage and in the orchestra – don’t miss this rare opportunity to see this legendary musical fully staged.
Listings information:
Box office: 028 9024 1919
Venue: The Grand Opera House, Belfast
Dates: 13, 16, 19, 20 September 2025
Time: 7.30pm on each date, and a 2.30pm matinee on 20 September
Prices: From £17.50 to £60.00 including booking fee.
And, just announced this week, one of the world’s most celebrated classical singers and acclaimed British soprano Lesley Garrett CBE will be performing the role of opera singer Heidi Schiller.
