Photo Flash: Swarovski Crystals Make National Theatre's FOLLIES Sparkle

Swarovski illuminates the National Theatre for the first time with 600,000 crystals adorning the dazzling costumes in its much-anticipated revival of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical, Follies. Scroll down for photos!

Award-winning director Dominic Cooke's blockbuster show is set to be the National Theatre's most extravagant production to date, featuring a cast of 37 and a 21-strong orchestra. Set in a derelict Broadway theatre in 1971, Follies captures a moment in time as a group of former showgirls gather to sing, dance and reminisce about their dazzling vaudeville days three decades before.

The stellar cast includes Olivier Award-winners Imelda Staunton, Janie Dee and Tracie Bennett as three of the Follies girls. Cooke's magnificent revival features such classic songs as Broadway Baby, I'm Still Here and Losing My Mind.

Celebrated costume designer Vicki Mortimer incorporated 600,000 Swarovski crystals into her beautifully crafted designs, evoking the opulence and glamour of the mid-20th century musical. The sparkling stones illuminate 160 costumes including 62 extravagant feathered headdresses and 129 pairs of tap-dancing shoes, accentuating the drama of the captivating performances.

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: "We are delighted to collaborate with the National Theatre on this exciting revival of one of musical theatre's most unforgettable shows. Vicki Mortimer's costumes perfectly capture the glamour of the showgirl era, with over half a million crystals shimmering and illuminating this dynamic cast."

Imelda Staunton, playing Sally Durant Plummer in Follies said: "Follies is one of Sondheim's most iconic musicals and it is incredibly exciting to be involved in Dominic Cooke's staging at the NT. Swarovski has brought luster and brilliance to Vicki's wonderful costumes, the crystals adding that extra touch of magic and sparkle on the stage."

Vicki Mortimer commented: "It has been a complete joy to work with Swarovski crystals: their unique and dazzlingly kaleidoscopic effect brilliantly evokes the glamour of Dietrich-era heroines, whilst their exceptional sparkle and light-play allow the showgirls to shimmer with ghostly romance."

Dominic Cooke commented: "I'm excited to be directing an exceptionally talented cast and creative team in Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's powerful musical and it's great that Swarovski has partnered with the NT to provide all the crystals for the costumes. The crystals will play a crucial role in the visual world of the show, bringing Vicki Mortimer's magical designs of showgirl costumes from the past to vivid life."

For over a century Swarovski crystals have held center stage in theatre, cinema, and music, magnifying prestigious talents and commanding audience attention. Swarovski is committed to supporting musical theatre, having recently added on-stage sparkle to West End and Broadway productions including Evita, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dreamgirls, The Greatest Comet and Motown the Musical.

Stephen Sondheim's legendary musical Follies comes to the National Theatre for the first time, directed by Dominic Cooke and featuring an extraordinary cast of West End stars. The original production of Follies premiered on Broadway in 1971, where it was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, and won seven. The show premiered in London in 1987, and has been revived around the world many times to great acclaim. This 2017 NT staging will involve 37 cast members and an orchestra of 21, and is set to be one of the biggest shows the NT has ever staged.

Follies is at the National Theatre in London from August 22 until January 3. The performance on November 16 will be broadcast live to 7,000 cinemas globally as part of NT Live. For more information visit nationaltheatre.org.uk/follies.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

The cast of FOLLIES at the National Theatre

Emily Langham as Young Carlotta

The cast of FOLLIES at the National Theatre