Follies | 'I'm Still Here' performed by Tracie Bennett - Olivier's 2018 | National Theatre

Tracie Bennett performs 'I'm Still Here' from Follies by the legendary Stephen Sondheim at the 2018 Olivier Awards Ceremony, captured live at the Royal Albert Hall.
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Tracie Bennett played her Olivier Award-nominated role of Carlotta Campion in Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's legendary musical Follies at the National Theatre in 2017 and 2019.
Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, Dominic Cooke's production was filmed live on stage at the National Theatre in 2017.
New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.
Follies includes such classic songs as Broadway Baby, I’m Still Here and Losing My Mind.
Winner of Academy, Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, Sondheim’s previous work includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.
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[@rhyfeddu]

The glimpses of her younger self looking on in the background gives me literal goosebumps. Wonderful performance.

[@zzzut]

Her acting is just as magnificent as her singing. That lady is just perfect for that role.

[@ashleyartus8430]

She deserves an award just for her breathing. Magic.

[@tonyspinnelli730]

I became such a huge fan of Tracie Bennett!!! She blew me away as Judy Garland!!! Now This!!!! Imelda Staunton and Tracie Bennett are my English Roses!!!!!!!

[@grantnoroyan4083]

@@tonyspinnelli730 very good presentation and broadway star quality

[@tonyspinnelli730]

@@grantnoroyan4083 well said my friend!!!! Gotta say, Grant is my favorite name!!! That's the name of my husband and Godson!!!

[@grantnoroyan4083]

@@tonyspinnelli730 ha ha wow thats great yes its a great name :)

[@jlb4]

"I got through all of last year/And I'm still here."

[@estern839]

Just saw this in the movie theatre. She blew me away!

[@tonywilliams7147]

Just got home from seeing it again in the latest National Theatre revival and it's even better than 2018 Tracie as good as ever but the whole cast is excellent and what a band and production.

[@DistantCousin]

Agreed. When the production returned it was incredibly even better!!

[@ashleyartus8430]

A masterclass from Tracie. Sorely needed. Brave, courageous, touching and a wonderful study. She works so hard, she's a grafter!. Congratulations Tracie, all that hard work will pay off.xxx

[@zeffiraananas3999]

“…HAS paid off”

[@Macrogue65]

The acting, Acting. is so bang on. I believe every word she says.

[@RichardBlanchard-g7i]

this got me through the day and yes i feel better

[@salacioussummers]

This interpretation and Who's That Woman from this production always get me misty-eyed. They did amazing! 💚

[@luc9388]

It was genius - Wish I could watch it again on streaming

[@_vodkamartini_]

I remember seeing this in the cinema, and just two days ago I got to see her at The Shed in the final Sondheim musical "Here We Are" right from the front row. She was electrifying. Her voice is STRONG and her stage presence is unmatched.

[@DAJ1607]

Amazing! What a stellar performance.

[@christophercobb249]

Yes, amazing!

[@groovydonkey]

An amazing performance and got to see follies many times during it's two runs at the National Theatre.

[@ashleyartus8430]

Genius. This is a masterclass.

[@williamgardiner2010]

And let’s play credit to credit Dominic Cooke, the first musical he has directed, having previously directed only plays (and he was a terrific artistic director at London’s Royal Court). The dedication to the work was extraordinary, spending enormous time with each actor developing their roles. That’s why he urged a return for another season of the National’s Follies as he had more to explore. Some of the book in this version of the show has not been used before. His key direction notes to Bennett was ‘think Joan Crawford’.

[@fergusmurray1828]

W G That makes sense, Sondheim has said that the song and the character of Carlotta are based on Crawford.

[@aarontakesbroadway]

I unfortunately didn’t get to see this revival! I would have loved to see Imelda Staunton in Follies! Tracie Bennett! Completely sways this song to her ability and acting style, I love the way she plays this role, with a lot of happiness but then changes into regret with a hint of anger! The slow build up of the emotions was just brilliant! 🤩🤗

[@williamgardiner2010]

Director Dominic Cook worked a lot on this song with Tracie Bennett helping her shape the story. A key to her performance she said during a Q & A at the National was Cook's note " Think Joan Crawford"

[@DistantCousin]

An absolute masterclass in performance

[@marinadumcheva3147]

Working in the National We are back to shows! And yes! Was singing it all day today with my colleagues LOL

[@balesjo]

This is one of my favorite songs which I first heard performed by Debbie Reynolds in "Postcards from the Edge". So I tend to listen to every rendition I can get as each performer can give it their own interpretation. One of my favorite is Carol Burnett performing it a few years back, However, Traci Bennett's performance makes me really feel that I'm watching a Follies star return years after her heyday on the stage. Her costume, hair, and mannerisms are perfection, and she definitely comes across as a survivor in life.

[@roycerowland6162]

it wasn't Debbie Reynolds but Shirley Maclaine in Postcards from the edge

[@rdbwdc774]

Have you heard Eartha Kitt perform this song?

[@cde2615]

My friend Tracie. Flawless. Fierce, Fabulous.

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

I really like her interpretation of this Broadway standard; whereas the iconic Elaine Stritch’s version was more defiant in attitude and tone, this one is more gleeful - like she’s a little bit pleasantly surprised that she’s _somehow_ still here, she can hardly believe it.

[@AlicedeTerre]

I love the more playful take! I wasn’t so sure of it at the beginning but I was won over. I feel like it’s refreshing and somewhat more nuanced. This feels like a song for everyone during this pandemic 🥴

[@DAS1962]

Let's ee how see does it when she is 85. Elaine rules. Bennett's version is by the book and reveals nothing about HER.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

@@DAS1962 What should it reveal ?

[@palmereldritch7777]

@@ms.martiegallego8834 With a lot of the singers, the singers didn't have to act the song, basically by being who they were and just standing there, De Carlo, Burnett, Dolores Gray, Eartha Kitt, Stritch, Ann Miller, Shirley Maclaine, Elaine Page, Betty Buckley, and some countless others who deserved. The message and truth and meaning was in the deliverer, the artist. The details don't have to fit exactly, but it has to be an homage and a tribute and a monument that was and is earned. And then it becomes a transformative song for every and anyone who has lasted and run and runs the course in his life.

[@gregglienna1442]

Check out Karen Morrows version!

[@bobbyollar9805]

Just found my new favorite performance of this song! Thank you! Can't wait to see the full production video.

[@JerkyPuck]

Absolutely wonderful!

[@jrbaskind]

I really enjoyed this version of this song! So spirited!

[@paulodelorios8482]

I love her rendition!

[@hotdrumman]

really great performance!!

[@hefinrosser8685]

My god miss Bennet just keeps getting better xx she's amazing xx

[@billserrani]

most brilliant performance and acting of this fantastic song.

[@Alex.PC88]

Incredible all around, just wow 💗

[@julienicholson7218]

She is incredible

[@zakariashartley]

Amazing performance

[@Izzymoggington]

Saw her in Over the Rainbow she was sensational!

[@ILikeDemocracy7]

Strong agree.

[@terrenceragin5555]

I love this song I don't care who sings it

[@grantnoroyan4083]

me too

[@pauladorna4627]

The best I have ever seen💋💕

[@samh7033]

Everyone sings this song at some point, few own it like Ms. Bennett.

[@bradmoyse6162]

Wow amazing. Love her voice.

[@katkinson2829]

Saw this through Stage On Screen. Teared up with affection for her resilient character.

[@ROC-se5wq]

Best performance of this song that I’ve ever heard

[@HGandCulturalWasteland]

W.O.W. What a badass. Amazing!

[@darreylhenderson702]

Seeing this, I feel this is how Judy Garland would have done it! And yes, I'm aware Tracie had played her

[@richardmayora1289]

Jim Bailey, the best Garland impersonator, performed this song as Judy. AMAZING.

[@H3nry488]

Exactly my thought!

[@balesjo]

Dang, she could have played the ultimate survivor of the ups and downs of fame and stardom. Were this fifteen or or so years ago, Liza Minnelli could have also belted this out as a survivor, also.

[@rosietheriveter-wecandoit7417]

Absolutely

[@savage_skirt5386]

yes.

[@michaelmiller1215]

AMAZING!

[@claudioweisz2801]

That was fabulous. Wowwww.

[@ericweir3966]

Goosebumps!

[@robertowen6421]

Just watched Tracie in Mame, Manchester production. Great talent.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

This is one of those songs that needs a Actress of a certain age, and a lengthy career in the Arts ! To get the full nuance of the song . Tracie did it beautifully ..

[@jackiehoughton4224]

Such a talented lady ❤️

[@Lemmegethat]

blissful❤

[@yongbkim6068]

What a performance!

[@michaelgreen5901]

Fab all round, love her voice

[@DSBthevoice]

Brilliant

[@gohatto66]

WOW .... *jaw drops*

[@bryanhands4956]

Brilliant Tracie - you have the edge on me on that final top note... BUT I played Carlotta at the Pleasance Theatre for NO PAY and I'M STILL HERE!! Love Carola Stewart (fellow Equity Member)

[@MerlinGal]

I wish there were a streaming service where you could either rent the video of past productions, like "Follies" or stream the whole library at will.

[@luc9388]

It’s a crime Follies still isn’t available to stream

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Fabulous.

[@brettgibson8558]

I saw the 2017 production and it was fabulous, a really wonderful night out.

[@ashleyartus8430]

Wonderful. X

[@neilrichards2988]

Seeing her as Mame in October. Can't wait

[@fergusmurray1828]

Where?

[@neilrichards2988]

@@fergusmurray1828 home theatre in Manchester UK

[@markdj13]

Phenomenal

[@Phebes61]

I was there... amazing

[@catwomanh3603]

Wow 👏👏👏

[@johnledbury8403]

What a performance, brilliant. Hard to believe this is that little girl from Coronation Street.

[@christopherturner5507]

I came back to this after her recent return to corrie. Still here i take it.

[@The.Lilomay]

BRAVA!!!

[@zeffiraananas3999]

😲. wow

[@alikemalguven1348]

WOW!

[@SherKrieger]

Brava!

[@johnappleton5586]

Jesus Judy here at the end of her life. Destroyed with drink, drugs and men……is perfect!

[@margotflynn1591]

force of nature....I will never forget her transcendant performance as Judy Garland in "End of the Rainbow" on broadway

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

What century did that one open?

[@svmx9260]

❤️❤️

[@cabronicusmaximuschingonic1062]

Outstanding. But I must confess, Elaine Stritch's rendition of this song is my favorite.

[@josemadrigalsuarez6828]

Este papel lo hizo en España, la gran Massiel, precisamente que ganó Eurovisión 1968 en el mismo Royal Albert Hall para España.

[@grantnoroyan4083]

wow

[@steffeng40]

After seeing her in the new crime series 'The Bay', I wish someone would offer her Mrs. Lovett.

[@mosemose3690]

steffeng40 I thought exactly the same thing.

[@neilrichards2988]

Home theatre in Manchester UK

[@steffeng40]

@@neilrichards2988 I can see I need to go to Manchester soon again! But I also like it there.

[@angelman51266]

Great performer. She did Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow ....

[@jillflatt8638]

Tracie is so petite but with a huge voice....Just like Miss Garland!

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Edith and Ethel each had that shortcoming as well.

[@Viracocha88]

As expert as Tracie Bennett is, no current or future performances of "I'm Still Here" will ever be as moving as those done previously by Dolores Grey, Polly Bergen, Ann Miller or Elaine Stritch, and Yvonne De Carlo, among others. Why? Simply because those ladies actually LIVED through the time frame - the 30s, 40s, and 50s - the song alludes to, so in large part they're not merely "performing" the song, but expressing something visceral, experiential and authentic that no other performer born in a later period can convey.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Yeah.....but Olivier was too young to ever fulfill your requirements needed to play King Lear. I guess those reviewers at the time were blinded by the Klieg lights.

[@Viracocha88]

stupid reponse, bespeaking of a stupid sensibiity.@@JackMason-oq8lf

[@zachmartin5876]

Can somoene who has seen more of the show explain what the woman in the background with the headress was doing? My assumption is that she represents the character when she was younger and IN the Follies, but i dont understand the look fo scared concern on her face throughout the song.

[@バーガーテン]

これ探してました。 フォリーズの中で1番好きな曲

[@leslieyost9973]

how can I this performance five thumbs up? I want to...

[@davidanders2365]

Given Elaine's addictions....What a lovely honest moment.

[@carlosgarcia33333]

....just glad she just made made it to the last note alive, she sounds she's about break a major artery.

[@RickCarter-kb6vp]

Didn’t know that Tracie played Judy Garland ... but this performance reminds me of her 1963 movie with Jack Klugman... Klugman is in the wings when she sings her final number which reminds me of this boffo performance.....

[@lamontrussell1524]

She would make a great Miss Hannigan.

[@Bubletraveler]

I've just noticed have has the wrong hand position his thumb should point up on his right hand

[@robjack2804]

I'm thinking the styling here is Joan Crawford circa 1970's who Sondheim had in mind writing the song.

[@jamessmithhammer2706]

She gets some Judy in her

[@tomcole3626]

Don't forget Patti lapone.shes hard to beat

[@ILikeDemocracy7]

Yes. So is Stritch.

[@GeoStrum3]

You know if they film Follies Liza would be great to sing this song.

[@IAmAdamIAm]

Dear god.

[@xsekhmetx]

Amazing actress and I don't mean to be rude but she's 59?????????? I thought she was 60-70! Still gorgeous and amazing though, I just know some people view being old as bad but yeah.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Watching this, I keep thinking of Greek Tragedy.

[@faffolite]

would love liza to do it in the film

[@brianeduardo1234]

a touch or more than a touch of Judy Garland... very good... but I think it works better without the entourage at the beginning

[@tomcole3626]

As well as Elaine page.

[@namj8145]

Definitely the hammiest version of the song, lol. But a good voice.

[@MikeyCunningham]

Sharon from Coronation Street

[@DistantCousin]

Indeed. She could wipe the floor with almost all the Coronation St actors!!

[@MikeyCunningham]

@@DistantCousin She really could!

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

I'm the same age as Old People and I've never heard of this woman. You do know that the "star" of Follies is Sally, who sings the definitive 11 o'clock torch song, "Losing My Mind." To quote B.Davis: I bet it's a pip. And it is.

[@countesscherryramone]

Now my favourite take on this song. Elaine Who?

[@Alex-nf1jy]

its Judy Garland making a comeback

[@tonysmith2686]

I saw Tracie as Judy Garland and this is the same voice she used.

[@jonathanscovell6154]

She always overplays everything!

[@elphbwckd212]

It looks literally painful for her to sing, but this is the best version

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

For me, it's painful to watch. With a song such as this, it's not necessary to put it across by eating the scenery.

[@tomcole3626]

And Yvonne de carlo.

[@lucyclapham6002]

I know nothing about this musical, who is the lady in silver at the back?

[@johnpickford4222]

@lucyclapham6002: The show sold out and not everyone could get a seat so they sold tickets to people to stand at the back of the set and be very still.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

The ghost of her younger self when she was in the Follies. Each character had a youthful background shadow that juxtaposed with the here and now. Time Magazine called that feature, Proustian.

[@jasonlemoine2074]

Someone who finally beats Elaine stritch