All the fun of the Follies

Veteran TV star Mike Walsh had people talking at the premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies in Melbourne this week, but not necessarily for being the perfect guest.

During the opening night party, Walsh, now owner of rival venue Her Majesty’s Theatre, apparently began interjecting during the speeches for the gathered throng, including cast members John Diedrich, Nancye Hayes, Debra Byrne, Philip Gould and Judy Connelli.

The Age reports one party-goer said: “It sounded quite rude. Derogatory remarks. Very loud.”

Walsh then suddenly fell over and was helped from the room by two mates. “It looked as though he had injured himself,” said another guest.

Walsh’s theatre manager Richard Fitzgerald said: “Mike’s actually very supportive. He adored the show. He gives good audience, if you know what I mean. He’s very effusive. He wasn’t hurling rude remarks, if someone has misinterpreted that.”

Source: The Age