Imelda Staunton and Peter Forbes on Follies | National Theatre

The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of playing Buddy and Sally in Follies. Chaired by Paulette Randall.
Peter Forbes' theatre credits include Mamma Mia! (West End), Black Watch (National Theatre of Scotland), and for NT, Never So Good, The James Plays, Our Country’s Good, Afterlife and The Observer.
Multi award-winning actor Imelda Staunton was recently seen on screen as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, and has a long performance history at the National Theatre including The Beggar’s Opera, Guys and Dolls, and A Chorus of Disapproval.

[@lukethomas658]

Imelda Staunton had such huge screen presence, you don't realize she is quite tiny. Excellent interviewer, she had nice personal interest while keeping the focus on the actors.

[@sdunn9007]

Peter is a superb actor and obviously, Imelda is stellar. Follies was the best production I had seen for many years, either at the National or in the west end. Staunton's Losing My Mind was a highlight of highlights.

[@stevechappell7804]

I was *incredibly* fortunate enough to get a house seat for this production, and was completely swept up in its energy, the visuals, the prowess of the actors and the direction of Sondheim's (usually) very difficult musical. I couldn't have enjoyed it more - it was spectacular. Next to the 1982 neon-splashed National Theatre production of 'Guys and Dolls' (Bob Hoskins, Julia McKenzie, Ian Charleson and Julie Covington) - my measure of greatness - this was my favorite night of musical theater, ever. I had earlier seen Imelda Staunton earlier in the same year as Martha in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' - what a treat! One fun note is that Imelda Staunton was *also* in that 1982 production of 'Guys and Dolls', and then many years later starred as Miss Adelaide in yet another revival. I really miss London's theater scene - I used to hang out in the lobby of the Nat when I was a student, and enjoyed doing it again a bit before the pandemic hit. I'll be back!

[@mikeanderson9205]

This show was the best version of Follies I've ever seen, and I've seen many. The role of the ghosts, and interaction between the young characters was the most flushed out. Thank God it's on tape. Please say they will release the video.

[@flannerymonaghan-morrs4740]

I agree! Every single interview I see, I fall in love with the cast...such great chemistry they have together!

[@wm0rgans11]

It’s in cinemas around the uk this year !!

[@peterpearce8851]

Thank you National Theatre for bringing us these talks, they are always fascinating.

[@bodhilogan3822]

Love you Imelda!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@flannerymonaghan-morrs4740]

How the hell did they do it several nights a week? I mean, the roles of sally and Buddy (Sally in Particular) are two of the most emotionally and vocally demanding roles probably in Sondheim Canon (screw that, pretty much everyone in Follies), if not in all musical theatre history. Must be tiring, but I congratulate them.

[@williamgardiner2010]

Although the joy of working at the National for most actors is that the show is paused for several days or short blocks as another production fills the stage - so it's not eight shows a week constantly as would occur in the West End.

[@zohrehrostami9683]

I love Imelda, she’s brilliant actress and yet down to earth. While everyone raving about judie Dench

[@TheJohnpandy]

Follies is great theatre. I wanted to see it again but it's sold out. Jxxx

[@debra13]

I am curious about what Imelda said about things being different now (not just the high tuition) , but about people being sort of "cared for."

[@paulybarr]

How odd that the interviewer introduces herself, not to mention the subtitler, by name, but makes no mention of the two interviewees beyond a cutesy cuddly "hellooooo!". I know she probably thinks Imelda Staunton is such an icon that she NEEDS no introduction, but that isn't the point- it is just a formality that you DO. Besides, I, for one, happen to have no idea who the man is.