Follies | 'Losing My Mind' performed by Imelda Staunton | National Theatre Live

[@UlimorUdamenta]

That raspy part when she sang the last note was just perfect! Imelda Staunton made a lot of brave, and in my opinion, well placed decisions when she sang this!

[@nina1522]

Wow, I knew Imelda was a gifted actress, but I didn't know she could sing. Just beautiful.

[@Erasureeraser]

If Harry Potter was a musical movie, I can definitely see Umbridge annoyed Harry with her songs while teaching something extremely wicked 😂

[@oldvlognewtricks]

She’s been in musicals for a long while… she was in the original London cast of Into The Woods, for instance

[@CarysCreatesThings]

In the early 90s she was in a sitcom called Up The Garden Path and she sang the theme tune (which was a cover of Ain’t Misbehavin’).

[@farshssps7338]

She was a great Mama Rose in Gypsy too. I think you can find the show on youtube.

[@elizamccroskey1708]

Seeing this wonderful performance as a now 60-year-old woman reminds me of my 15-year-old heartbroken self playing this record and singing along at the top of my lungs. So much joy, longing, and heartbreak in the intervening years. I still have hope for more joy!

[@Quinefan]

My goodness. Are you over the 15yo heartbreak yet? Serious question.

[@elizamccroskey1708]

@@Quinefan LOL, yes. If I think about it I can still find the scar but it seems a very small one now.

[@Quinefan]

@@elizamccroskey1708 good x

[@cia1542]

my 15 year old heartbreak was only a year or two ago now… i remember singing this song too, it’s so strange how it’s that same experience hit completely different people and i’m repeating what you did so many years ago

[@bronwynkay5459]

I remember going to watch this for the first time streamed in the cinema a few weeks after my first heartbreak. I sobbed so much it hurt. Still cry when I watch this clip

[@sator_project]

For me, this will always be the biggest gut punch of a song in musical theater.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

This earlier entry to the Sondheim canon became his greatest ballad. This was an "old" song that was completely original.

[@lachlanbradburn]

Could not agree more. It sets out to be a bit corny, but suddenly turns beautiful and complex. Was not expecting to be so impacted. Such a great performance and a very special song.

[@itsxtasy]

Remarkable performance! Imelda Staunton truly disappears into every character she plays.

[@NationalTheatre]

She is a chameleon!

[@stitchcrashesdisney312lion4]

@@NationalTheatre She touches my heart and my soul with everything she says or does or plays. She is my personal queen!❤😘🥺

[@rebeccam4397]

She's one of my favorite actresses, along with Olivia Colman. I also love that neither of them is conventionally gorgeous, but they are talented and interesting, which is infinitely more important.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

@@rebeccam4397 She is absolutely my favorite. She far outshines everyone else.

[@Patrick_Knowlton]

The intensity, the tenderness, the range, the power... this performance has me in shambles it's so good.

[@Macrogue65]

When she grabs the glass. The emotion. Class, class act.

[@djskylerhall]

I legitimately thought she was going to throw and shatter the glass. She had me in the palm of her hand.

[@eyerisdee]

the “just” in the line “just being kind” are a guy wrenching blow to my heart every time. the grief and rage and pain all at once-incredible.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

It hurts my heart when she sings this. Sally really believed Ben loved her.

[@billbarnesjazz]

I'm a huge fan. Her performance as Rose in Gypsy was phenomenal- those who only know her from her work in the Harry Potter films will be in for a shock.

[@philipo5259]

So true. Gypsy was incredible.

[@NationalTheatre]

She was incredible in Gypsy!

[@markhager2216]

I first encountered her in the film “Vera Drake” and have followed her career since then. Just and amazing actress

[@flav2689]

are very right. I am one of those who originally knew her from Harry Potter, as Umbridge. I loved her playing even in that (that is actually something a HP fan should never say - Umbridge is SO hated many thinkk you should not even love the actress...) so I searched her other works soon. And damn I was impressed. I'm a musical, opera and a classical music lover in general so it was a wonderful surprise. She's spectacular, seriously. She is way too underrated, the world doesn't seem to know anything about her real talents.

[@mooseyman74]

The Singing Detective dancing around to Dem Bones

[@ameliadouglas6938]

Moment of appreciation for the orchestra

[@Jonas-np9io]

Truly heart wrenching. Shakespeare in play, Verdi & Puccini in opera, Fellini in film, Sondheim in musical. A song for all time, and what a great performance of it.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

Beautiful way to describe it.

[@chriswinwood6501]

Magnificent. The build up to the rage and fury, fading to empty loss. Wonderful.

[@Girl-so7yk]

Absolutely and anyone who has had their heart truly broken lives every word.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

Imelda is an incredible actor. She puts so much into her performances and is always, always spot on.

[@robwilliamson5082]

I shouldn’t be surprised by her talents, but this is so beautifully performed.

[@NationalTheatre]

It is such a beautiful performance 😍

[@noahhutchins5164]

When I was 19, I fell in love with someone who lived a few hours away. He told me he didnt want a long distance relationship but that he would leave anyone he was with to be with me if I moved closer. He made me feel so incredibly important to him and loved. Howrver, he ended up meeting someone and things changed. He seemed distant, he wouldnt talk to me as often, and when he did talk his humor seemed sting rather than feeling lighthearted and sarcastic. This song so accurately represents what I was going through after that.

[@vickybentley9556]

That has to be the best and most meaningful performance of this song ever. I'm in tears. Memories flooding back at 75.

[@rhyfeddu]

She ACTED this as strongly as she sung it. I saw a live performance of Follies decades ago and the performance of this song was beautiful - but this was gorgeous AND a gut punch. Perfect. I'm chastened, I had no idea Ms. Staunton was this amazing.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

I've know for a long time how amazing she is. She is an incredible actor and singer.

[@briane3657]

Her version of this song cuts to the soul of her character. Beautiful and chilling at the same time. What an incredible actress and singer!

[@ElsenyoPol]

Oh, God! I can’t help but “think about you”, every time this song plays, I doesn’t matter how much time has passed, I still “think about you”, my love. And yes, I’m definitely loosing my mind.

[@Girl-so7yk]

I’m glad and sorry that it’s not just me ❤

[@vickifriend9285]

Such an extraordinary actress. I’ve seen her in Gypsy, Follies and now Hello Dolly. She’s ageing so gloriously. Hello Dolly is wonderful. I’ve seen it with my daughter, aged 44 and my grandson aged 20 and my 14 year old dance student granddaughter. Mixed generations adore this.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

How wonderful that they all enjoy this tremendous talent. I envy you seeing Hello Dolly, but am glad you got to take your family.

[@independentfilmchannel1476]

I've heard this song--one of Mr Sondheim's best--sung by many gifted artists, but this was the first time I felt it. Ms Staunton captures the true meaning in that title magnificently, forcing us to understand without question. Her noticeable anger is a searing addition to the usual stunned plaintiveness. Brava.

[@peggyconti1225]

It's been a year since his death but many more in marraige And I still this haunts me. "We're you just being kind?"

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

What an insightful comment. And you are entirely correct. She is simply incredible in every thing she does.

[@helenw8520]

Brilliant actress, didn't know she had such a good singing voice as well.

[@NationalTheatre]

She's a queen of the stage!

[@andrewwoodmass-calvert2475]

You’ll have to see her in Gypsy! A beautiful voice

[@filipv.5019]

Check out Sweeney Todd (with Michael Ball) and Gypsy !

[@denizalgazi]

She was absolutely brilliant in Gypsy. She now owns Rose's Turn! 👍

[@nudgificator]

Then I'd advise you (if you haven't already in the intervening time) to check out the original London cast recording of Into the Woods, where she plays the Baker's Wife.

[@sharona1981]

I never knew Imelda Staunton could sing...I have goosebumps!

[@FreeSpirit-iv3rh]

See if you can find her production of Gypsy. She was the best Mama Rose ever!!!!!

[@ddjr6673]

@@FreeSpirit-iv3rh you beat me to it! I saw her in London in Gypsy - she was incredible

[@FreeSpirit-iv3rh]

@@ddjr6673 I’m sooooo jealous. I saw the production televised and even from that I was blown away!

[@davidmcgrath3963]

find her "Roses Turn" from Gypsy. You will be stunned.

[@LindaMChristie]

And in Sweeney Todd too.

[@richardchason]

Staunton's rendition is right up there.among of the finest of the many wonderful leading ladies who've.left their mark on this song. Somehow her anger and strength, so often unfound in this piece, make it yet tearier

[@Nacho-Mamma]

Perfection! This is hands down the best performance of “Losing My Mind” I have ever seen. The slow buildup from melancholy to frustrated anger is the key to making this classic Sondheim piece work. Imelda Staunton I simply wonderful. I love her in “Gypsy” as well.

[@NationalTheatre]

Such a lovely comment, thank you

[@DerBriMoo]

Imelda is an amazing actor. And singer. My mind is blown everytime I see her.

[@craigslivka1]

whoever did the orchestrations for this is Mort Lindsey brilliant. The instrumentation of this was given a very bluesy/smoke-filled room very much the one that Judy Garland had in A Star is Born with the Man the Got Away. Ms. Staunton takes this very difficult number and weaves a spell a musical enchanted majestically tragic that builds and build as she ponders/realized and gets angry with reality that you cannot but help to get caught up in her performance.

[@karl-johanankarblom1091]

Orchestration by Broadway Legend Jonathan Tunick

[@bigbrownsound]

@@karl-johanankarblom1091 he’s a genius. So much genius surrounded Sondheim. Birds of a feather I suppose. Fabulous

[@kennadylonghurst2322]

I’m

[@Nacho-Mamma]

In all seriousness, I would love to hear Imelda perform "Ladies Who Lunch" from Sondheim's "Company". Another Sondheim frustrated diva torch song. She kicked ass here & "Rose's Turn" in "Gypsy". So, there's no doubt she could handle it. Dearly love the great Imelda Staunton.

[@nathanpeterson3010]

This one got me. I knew she was one of the greatest actors of our time…but I didn’t expect her to rip my heart out like this.

[@celestialsaph6402]

Imelda Staunton has this way of cutting to the emotional core of every song she performs, she always draws such a deep emotional response from me every time I see her perform

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

Me too.

[@DonoVideoProductions]

Incredible. This is musical theatre at its best. Ms. Staunton is a pro, and this is a masterclass.

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

the years go by, and i'm still losing my mind. i may as well, since i lost my heart. you said you loved me, and i warned you not to, because i couldn't risk believing you (knowing full well what would happen to me if you ever left). But you did tell me, i did believe you and you did leave me. Its been around 7 years now, best years of my life gone just mourning what was in perspective, mere moments. But here I am. Singing my soul out, to an audience of memories.

[@vitoalbertolippolis2082]

Best rendition ever.

[@annabrittain7683]

there's a reason this woman is a legend

[@naly202]

One can't help but love and admire this lady. 🎉 Memorable in everything she did, even the tiny roles, not to mention the Pink Nightmare who made You-know-who pale in comparison

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

I had the great privilege of seeing this at the National and it was incredible. A great cast, great music and performances that shine brighter than imagined.

[@Choirboy2013]

Glen Close singing this made me tear up, Imelda made me weep. So powerful.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

IMO no one comes close to Imelda.

[@alysonscholes3175]

This gave me shivers. Brava, Imelda!

[@edwardroberts9397]

every note - every word - every movement is pure perfection! If you don't get chills and don't tear up and don't feel for others or relate to someone in your life - someone who has haunted you.. who has shaped your being..., then this song is not for you.. This could be one of my favorite songs of all time!

[@CohenSimon_Miller]

This is simply out of this world.....

[@judigunn5384]

She is amazing. Poignant, heartfelt, almost too real. Great stuff.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

I never heard of her before. This performance was so believable. I really believed she loved this guy and yet was angry too. Excellent!

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

He mislead her when he told her he loved her. And she really, really did love him.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I remember seeing her as the short, silent, smoking showgirl in the National Theatre's version of _Guys and Dolls_ (her husband Jim Carter played Big Jule). She was hilarious without a word, and I was thrilled that she took over the role of Miss Adelaide when Julia McKenzie left the show. What a wonderful performer.

[@ashtynnrethinger2874]

Wow that is some of the best jobs acting I have seen in a long time, and she did very little. It was all in the facial expression, voice, and mannerisms. So incredible. She is an inspiration to me

[@groovydonkey]

I saw this production so many times at the National Theatre and also got to go on a backstage tour and got to visit the stage and able to see what the cast could see. It was a very memorable evening.

[@lachlanbradburn]

This is so naturally perfect. What a talent. I want to give her a hug ❤️

[@JM-bv7og]

This performance is going to stay with me for a very long time.. Thank you Thank you Imelda Staunton.👏👏👏👏

[@kindnessfirst9670]

Sondheim is one of the Theatre's greatest writers. His lines just happen to rhyme and come with beautiful music. No wonder actors love to perform his work. No wonder he won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. (Along with his 8 Tonys, 8 grammies, an Oscar, 15 Drama Desk awards, 5 Olivier awards, an Edgar award, A US Presidential Medal of Freedom, etc. and he has theaters named after him in both NYC and London ). He was also famous for being a very sweet person who would personally answer letters from strangers- sometimes even giving them free stuff. Since his death thousands of people have gone public about the letters of support and encouragement he would send to aspiring theatre people- some times even children just doing school plays. He would actually show up at High School productions to help out and lend support. A natural born teacher.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

Imelda said in her acceptance speech for best musical actress in Gypsy at the Olivier Awards, that Sondheim was ".. really the Shakespeare of musical theatre and I got to sing his speeches every night. That sorta makes you better doesn't it?"

[@caddiebrown8565]

The best Sally Plummer by far...and I've played this role many many times. She is truly a singing actor and a director's delight.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

I keep coming back to watching this. And now she is blowing everyone away in Hello, Dolly. What a talent -- it's incredible !!!

[@fini3581]

Goosebumps. Tears. Amazing! 🥹

[@donnybrasco6321]

I had NO idea Dolores Umbridge could sing the STUFF out of a song!! Making Sondheim proud, Professor!❤❤❤

[@7ofthem]

She can’t but Imelda Staunton can

[@rebeccam4397]

I love Harry Potter, but she has such a fantastic body of work that it's a shame so many are unaware of.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

@@rebeccam4397 Very true.

[@fionasimpson9655]

Almost too personal… what an amazing performance.

[@yelanates]

It makes me slightly uncomfortable in the good way.

[@carr0760]

@@yelanates indeed. This is the first person who has had me believing that they're truly losing their mind, not just using a figure of speech. She's not okay, and it's brilliant.

[@teeveee2758]

I just cannot thank you enough for putting this on web. Me, who has never been in UK but whos heart is there, this was a glimpse of home. Amazing performance. Thank you thank you

[@kittykate314]

Wow! Imelda serves perfection! Brava!

[@murielbarker4311]

Imelda that was a brilliant performance of that song thank you

[@rutanyaalda2222]

wonderful actress. been a fan of hers for years.

[@bilimacbr]

Thank you for granting the world this performance!

[@NationalTheatre]

So glad you enjoyed it ♥️

[@zzzut]

That performance is a bona fide acting and singing lesson. The full range of emotions and nuances is demonstrated brilliantly.

[@jazzdancerman]

A brilliant actor, singer nailing that beautiful, haunting song as only she can! BRAVA!

[@ItsJackieJackson]

Im actually balling my eyes out this was so beautiful 💖

[@ljm4418]

I am absolutely in love with this song and her version, I just think it’s done so well

[@philippaw65]

This is the best version I've heard. The acting and singing are superlative

[@williamarndt9465]

This woman is amazing. Fabulous. And I saw Dorothy Collins in the original production.

[@BrooklynDreaminCG]

Wow! Fantastic. I remember I was a teenager when I saw the original production. I remember Dorothy Collins, whom I didn't know from a hole in the wall (my mom, whom I was with did, of course), standing on an empty stage in a beautiful, shimmery dress. She had a beautiful voice and she just let her voice and the song do all the work, and it was wonderful. But this interpretation is astounding. Bravo (a?).

[@michellelforte]

An incredible performance. Thanks for posting NT.

[@vermont741]

Oh my! She’s literally about to lose her mind!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 great performance!

[@jamesrands2600]

I had the privilege to see this live and it was a stunning performance, however thank you for uploading this. Such a nuanced performer. So great to get a little closer. Thanks National! 💙

[@yz49]

Wow! So powerful! Extraordinary.

[@stitchcrashesdisney312lion4]

This is so heartfelt and tender, Imelda touches my heart.🥺❤

[@ronmartin7584]

She's grate and the transformation is phenomenal what range this actor has, and as a singer also.🎉❤🎉

[@FreeSpirit-iv3rh]

She’s freakin brilliant!!!!

[@jadrianverkouteren3799]

This is a fascinating contrast, more in setting as in approach, to the version I saw as Follies came through Boston on its way to Broadway (and prior to Michael Bennett's involvement IIRC). In the Boston version, Dorothy Collins, in a brilliant silver Jean Harlow dress, was centered in an arch under bright lights in true vamp, torch song mode. It was striking! Seeing how different actors approach familiar songs always fascinates me. (Wish I could see all the versions of King George in Hamilton.) This version, very different from the one fixed in my memory was well done and very interesting.

[@sophstar1237]

Not just a perfect Queen but a perfect voice!

[@misspamela3468]

What a spectacular performance. Brava!

[@amcg1904]

How can you deny this, a goddess 😍

[@milab6807]

Goosebumps! Absolutely brilliant x

[@wishingonthemoon1]

I had no clue she could sing!!! What a fantastic performance!

[@j-art1207]

Shes sung before in sondheim musicals - she was mrs lovett in a production of Sweeney Todd

[@nightynightshade]

She looks great! And she is so talented 😍

[@raeldor]

Incredible. I'm always completely fixated when watching her perform. It really feels like she is living the character.

[@stormbob]

She's got 14 Olivier nominations (and four wins) for a reason.

[@ghislainedote859]

Wow wow wow, what a performance

[@erezmor4u]

Best version of that song, from a non singer actress. The emotional journey of her is so on point!!! Bravo!!!

[@dakingbey]

But she’s a singer

[@margaretfleming3554]

Stunning performance!

[@robinmissouri7514]

My favorite version of this song.

[@michaelratcliffe7559]

Great performance. I’ve seen her in films - Harry Potter of course but I would likely have never known that she was so broadly talented if I had not seen this video. Thanks for posting it.

[@barductube]

From Mrs Micawber over Umbridge to her Muisical appearences I appreciate Imelda for her brilliant acting, always disappearing into her character and making us believe. Pity that many hate Umbridge that much they can't see Imelda shining anymore. Great performance and uploading, thank you.

[@romainlefranc3760]

Vraiment tous les talents ❤cette chanson est sublime et elle est extraordinaire

[@mushumama]

Amazing performance! I was lucky enough to see her in Guys & Dolls many years ago at the National. I was working as a press intern for a season there! Would love a streaming option, when its out of movie theaters!

[@pippajones2439]

Wonderful to have enjoyed this at our National Theatre. Imelda is truly magnificent, but the entire cast was excellent.

[@ShelbyLovesShakespeare]

WOW. Chills. She’s incredible :)

[@NationalTheatre]

Right?! I have goosebumps

[@morph628]

We need this on DVD! Please!!!!!!!

[@christianceltics]

This performance. My golly gawdddd.

[@deanjeffries651]

Me and my beautiful girl was watching imelda at the Savoy theatre my God gypsy

[@williamfafard7557]

Nothing like her. She just gets it.

[@adrianguillermoperezricald5595]

Imelda Staunton is my actor favorite

[@maureenkelly1301]

what a talent!!!!

[@liammize3765]

She slays this. I would love to hear her do Send in the Clowns also.

[@evalynnchristiansen9430]

I would like to hear that too. Judi Dench's version is my favorite so far.

[@peterlewis6324]

Fabulous.

[@peterprice6926]

I rember seeing her in Guys and Dolls at the National in 1990 s and she had class then and still does

[@NationalTheatre]

She gave an incredible performance in Guys and Dolls!

[@seth2901]

what abeautiful performance

[@lewwalker5749]

CHILLS. thats all i have to say.... actual Chills