In Conversation: Sondheim and Follies
Join us for an evening of conversation, insight and music as we explore the extraordinary work of Stephen Sondheim and look ahead to Northern Ireland Opera’s upcoming production of Follies at the Grand Opera House this September with a sneak peek into what the production will look and feel like including a performance of ‘In Buddy’s Eyes’ by Anna-Jane Casey who is Sally Durant Plummer in our new production.
This special ‘In Conversation’ event will feature a panel of experts and artists including:
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Dr Richard Schoch, author, including the recently published How Sondheim Can Change Your Life and Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast where he teaches musical theatre.
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Stuart Pedlar, West End Musical Director and long-time Sondheim collaborator
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Cameron Menzies, Artistic Director of Northern Ireland Opera and director of Follies
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Anna-Jane Casey: Sally in Follies
Expect a lively, thoughtful discussion about the music, lyrics, and legacy of one of musical theatre’s greatest voices, as well as a closer look at Follies itself and its rarely performed scale.
The event will include an open Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about the production or Sondheim’s wider body of work – and some live music too: more details soon!
Venue: Event Space at Room 2, Upper Queen Street, Belfast
About the Panel
Dr Richard Schoch
Richard Schoch is Professor of Drama at Queen’s University Belfast where he teaches musical theatre. A former theatre director in New York, he is the author of several books on theatre history and performance, including the recently published How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. He has held fellowships at the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Stanford Humanities Center and the Whiting Foundation.
Stuart Pedlar
A long-standing musical director and collaborator of Stephen Sondheim, Stuart Pedlar has an extensive career in the West End and internationally. He was musical director for Side by Side by Sondheim from its creation through productions in London, New York, and beyond. His West End credits include Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music (both original West End productions), Into the Woods (European premieres), and Scrooge, among many others. He is a Patron and honorary member of the Stephen Sondheim Society.
Cameron Menzies
Cameron Menzies is the Artistic Director of Northern Ireland Opera. Since taking up the role in 2020, he has led the company with a distinctive vision that brings together opera, music theatre, and storytelling on an ambitious scale. His 2022 production of Into the Woods at the Lyric Theatre won Best Production at The Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards — the first time a musical had received that honour in over 30 years. Under his leadership, the company has earned multiple accolades and international recognition, while creating new opportunities for Northern Irish artists and audiences alike.
About Anna-Jane Casey
Anna-Jane Casey is a versatile performer with over 40 years of experience in TV, theatre and music. Hailing from Lancashire, she starred as RUMPLETEASER in CATS at age 16 and has performed in more than 15 West End shows including GREASE, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, WEST SIDE STORY, BILLY ELLIOT, CHICAGO and STEPPING OUT. Her stage credits include the title roles in SWEET CHARITY and PIAF, DOT in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, LADY OF THE LAKE in SPAMALOT and ANNIE OAKLEY in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Recently, she showcased her talents in FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY and CABARET at the KitKat Club. She has just completed a run as SYBIL FAWLTY in the new West End play of FAWLTY TOWERS and played opposite Sir Ian McKellen in MOTHER GOOSE, winning the 2023 British Pantomime Award for Best Supporting Artist. She also sings with orchestras all over the world. Screen credits include, CORONATION STREET, EASTENDERS and FAMILY GUY.
