The Imelda Staunton-led London revival of Hello, Dolly!, originally scheduled to begin performances at the Adelphi Theatre in August 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, will now open in summer 2024 at a West End theatre to be announced, according to Deadline.
Four-time Olivier winner Staunton, who is currently filming the final two seasons of the Netflix series The Crown—she stars as the late Queen Elizabeth II, with Season 5 debuting November 9—will play matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi in the classic Jerry Herman-Michael Stewart musical.
Dominic Cooke, who directed Staunton in the critically acclaimed production of Follies at the National Theatre, is still scheduled to direct the 1964 Tony winner for Best Musical.
No additional casting has been reported, although when originally announced, Staunton was scheduled to be joined by Jenna Russell (Sunday in the Park With George, The Bridges of Madison County) as Irene Molloy with Andy Nyman (Fiddler on the Roof) as Horace Vandergelder.
Originally announced for the creative team: choreographer Bill Deamer, scenic and costume designer Rae Smith, and music supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck.
Staunton won the Olivier for Best Actress in a Musical for playing the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and Rose in Gypsy. Additionally, she won a Best Supporting Performance for her two performances in A Chorus of Disapproval and The Corn Is Green. The West End star played Sally in the National Theatre production of Follies that was filmed and broadcast in movie theatres.
