9th October 2025

Reviews and Audience Feedback for Follies

Northern Ireland Opera’s spectacular production of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies has been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Performed at the Grand Opera House Belfast in September 2025, Follies brought together an exceptional cast directed by Cameron Menzies, with a 35-piece orchestra conducted by Greg Arrowsmith.

Click here for full cast and creative team details,

Critical Highlights

★★★★☆ The Times: “Nostalgic showgirls given the operatic treatment.”
★★★★☆ The Stage: “High-octane musical theatre.”
★★★★☆ The Irish Times: “A highly charged show with dazzling spectacle and musical virtuosity.”
★★★★★ The Reviews Hub: “This ambitious and boundless production from Northern Ireland Opera… distilling the spirit of Sondheim’s classic, both on stage and off. Catch it whilst you can – your future self will thank you for it.”
★★★★☆ Musical Theatre Review: ‘Northern Ireland Opera (NI Opera) is making a bit of a habit of mounting stellar productions of Stephen Sondheim’s work. ‘
The Spectator: “Northern Ireland Opera have a hit.”
GNI Magazine: ‘Bravo to all the cast and crew of NI Opera! Truly a spectacular show from start to finish.’
Alan in Belfast: “A night of nostalgia, reflection, great music and brilliant performances.”
Seen and Heard International: “Sondheim’s Follies is another triumph for Northern Ireland Opera.”

Audience Reactions

Audience responses matched the critical acclaim, with more than 91% rating Follies as excellent or good. Postcode data shows that 23% of bookers were new to the Grand Opera House, and around three-quarters of all bookers were new to NI Opera. Many audience members travelled from far and wide to attend with a significant number travelling to Northern Ireland specifically to see this production.

“A triumph for Northern Ireland Opera — a world-class production right here at home.”
“Overwhelmed by the production — couldn’t believe it was an NI production. Compliments all round.”
“I was hugely impressed with the talent — the acting, the singing, the dancing, the sets, costumes, staging, and all aspects of the production. You wouldn’t see better on Broadway or in the West End.”
“This has been the best production of Follies I’ve seen.”
“Excellent production in every way. A thrilling evening with Mr Sondheim’s Follies — well done NI Opera for bringing this to the Opera House stage with such a great cast, director and choreographer.”
“Best show I have ever seen in the Grand Opera House. The perfect blend of young and more experienced talent was superb.”
“Every single thing about Follies was superb — the dancing, the quality of the singing, the production and set design, and the orchestra. Thank you NI Opera!”

Find out more on our event page for ‘Follies by clicking here.

Photo credits: Neil Harrison Photography