Northern Ireland Opera presents Follies, a glittering feast for the eyes and the ears!

Set in New York in 1971, former showgirls of the famous Weismann’s Follies return with their partners to their beloved decaying Broadway theatre for one final reunion before it is demolished and turned into a carpark. Time may have moved on, but inside the theatre old connections stir, song and dance routines, laughs and loves are well remembered, rivalries flare and ghosts of the past are awoken. By the time they all leave their world’s will have shifted: will anything be the same again?

With less than a month to go until the opening night, the Arts Council NI had the opportunity to visit rehearsals, watch the video below.

Follies is Northern Ireland Opera’s second musical during renowned Artistic Director Cameron Menzies’ five-year tenure and follows the award-winning Into The Woods at the Lyric Belfast (2022 Winner of Best Production Irish Times Theatre Awards and Nominated Best Director).

Cameron Menzies says, “This production of Follies is spectacular in every way, from the incredibly talented cast brimming with legends from Northern Ireland, Ireland and the West End to the award-winning creative team. The heart of this story so deeply resonates with so many people and speaks about the real human connections. I’m looking forward to bringing this glittering showstopper to life. The sheer scale of this musical, the epic cast and our orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera makes this a history-making Northern Irish production not to be missed.”

Northern Ireland Opera’s principal funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera at the Arts Council, commented, “Well, Northern Ireland Opera is back with what promises to be another showstopper. A first for the city, a first for the island: Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies. There are West End professionals alongside local exceptional talent, and it is wonderful to see this company offering opportunities for local artists to grow. The Arts Council is incredibly proud to be the principal funder of Northern Ireland Opera, who has a considerable artistic profile. Their work is outstanding, critically acclaimed, award-winning, and truly has an international reputation. I highly recommend you see the show.”

In addition to five spectacular performances of Follies at the Grand Opera House, NI Opera also present two Follies fringe events including an evening of conversation, and the ever popular, Come and Sing event.

• Follies and Sondheim: an evening of conversation and music, 4 Sep, Room2, Upper Queen St, 6:30pm, £10

This special In Conversation event on 4 September will feature a panel of experts and artists including, Dr Richard Schoch, author, including the recent, critically-acclaimed How Sondheim Can Change Your Life and Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast where he teaches musical theatre, Stuart Pedlar, West End Musical Director and long-time Sondheim collaborator, and Cameron Menzies, Artistic Director of Northern Ireland Opera and director of Follies. The evening will include an open Q&A session and some live music too. Book your place at In Conversation: 'Follies' and Sondheim - N.I. Opera

• FREE Come and Sing Follies event, Friday 19 September, The Studio, Grand Opera House, 5:30pm

Whether you sing in the shower, in a choir, or you’re a fully-fledged diva, join NI Opera for this uplifting annual celebration of song on Friday 19 September, 5:30pm at The Studio, Grand Opera House. Led by artists from Northern Ireland Opera, you’ll learn a number from Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies, along with a few musical theatre favourites. Then, you’ll perform it alongside NI Opera artists in the Grand Opera House Studio. This is a relaxed, friendly and welcoming event – open to all singing abilities and free to attend. Book your FREE space at Come and Sing Follies – An NI Opera Outreach Event | Grand Opera House

Find out more about the work of NI Opera at www.niopera.com