Hello, Dolly – Hello, fun and frolics.

Hello Dolly! Photo by EvaMay Photography.

Hello Dolly! at the Abbey Theatre, from 8 - 11 November 2023.

Review by Margaret Mather

A musical extravaganza that never fails to entertain.

The Masqueraders Theatrical Society, an amateur dramatic group based in Nuneaton, have successfully pulled off a fantastic adaptation of Hello, Dolly, a musical based on a play called The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder.

The show requires multiple performers, razzel dazzle, elegant clothes, fine powerful singers, an American twang and a good sprinkling of humour. This performance did not disappoint.

What a voice Dolly (played by Libby Brookes) had. Every word was crystal clear and her comedic punch lines were delivered with outstanding accuracy.

The cast of Hello Dolly! Photo by EvaMayPhotography.

Dolly was a matchmaker amongst other things. She expertly lured the grumpy but rich store owner, Horace Vandergelder (played by Rich Yates) into looking for a wife, but she had no intentions of letting him marry anyone but her. Two of his hardworking and underpaid staff, Cornelius Hackl (played by Chad Fletcher) and Barnaby Tucker (played by Ashley Blackstock) were outstanding in their roles and very funny. Irene Molloy, a milliner and beautiful songstress (played by Katy Lloyd) initially a love interest of Horace, turned her attentions to Cornelius, and Minnie Fay, her assistant, (played by Georgie Wing) was smitten by Barnaby.

This was a fun-filled night with plenty of comedy, drama, dancing and wonderful songs. The live orchestra was magnificent, and contributed to the elegance of the show. The cast played their parts to perfection as they danced and sang in their colourful clothes.

This has to be one of the best amateur productions I have ever seen and well worth a visit.

For ticket phone Box Office on 07432 855290 or visit https://abbeytheatre.co.uk/