Reviewed by Martin Borley. The curtain rises on a gloomy, decaying old theatre. An old man in a wheelchair is pushed on and, through the murk, we hear that the theatre is going to be pulled down to make way for a car park. I guess that's why 'Follies' was chosen as the first production in the newly revamped Royal Theatre. We can sit in our plush new seats, surrounded by rich Victorian splendour in air conditioned comfort and watch what happens in this alternative theatre. Ghosts appearWhat happens is that the old man in the wheelchair is the first of many veteran performers to arrive for a party in the old theatre: their last look before the bulldozers arrive.  | | Ben and Young Sally get close |
As the old-timers recall their halcyon days, the ghosts of their former selves appear. Songs and dances are relived. The out-of-condition oldies perform their routines alongside their glitzy ghosts who're in the prime of their youth. Also reawakened are the emotions of 30 years ago. Old flames are not always extinguished. The hopes and pains from a lifetime away return to haunt the partygoers. Slick dancing | | Phyllis and Buddy remember old times |
Stephen Sondheim's bittersweet musical will not be to everyone's taste but this thoughtful production by the Royal & Derngate's new artistic director Laurie Sansom is full of atmosphere. There are some slick dance routines choreographed by Nick Winston. The 29-strong cast is a mixture of professionals and local amateur actors. For the most part, the difference between the two was hard to see. The professionals take the bigger, more emotionally-charged roles. Community members Margaret Walker, Susan Moore, Barbara Cawthorn and Rita Gee all deserve special mention for their show stopping numbers. At last the Royal Theatre is open again. The newly-decorated auditorium looks fantastic. This sad, funny and moving first production is a superb way to breathe life back into the old building. | 
