GLORIOUS!

Glorious

Booking until 30th March

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

*** Glorious is perfectly written, perfectly cast, perfectly acted, and perfectly sung…!! ***

*** Wendi is essentially Glorious ***

Glorious is a comedy by Peter Quilter about "the worst singer in the world". A true story about the life of Florence Foster Jenkins. Lady Florence (as she liked to be known) was an eccentric amateur operatic soprano and socialite. Her high pitches shriek was notorious around the NYC scene of the 1920’s to 40’s, with fan such as Cole Porter. This heartwarming play had an Olivier award nomination for ‘Best new comedy’ in 2006. We are taken on a wonderous journey of Florence’s life, seeing her flamboyant stage costumes and attempts of operatic arias all culminating in a sellout show at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Glorious is a comedy heaven from start to finish.

Glorious is perfectly written, perfectly cast, perfectly acted, and perfectly sung…!! Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) is comedy genius in the part of Florence. Her boundless comedic range is superb at capturing Florence’s poor operatic vocal range. Wendi can actually sing really well, but to sing some notes badly as well as good is a skill in itself. The Florence that Wendi plays is part Hyacinth Bouquet, part Montserrat Caballé and part Cilla! She brings a warmth that incredibly endearing to the character. We did leave wondering if Florence was in on the joke all along, or if she truly believed she could sing. Wendi is essentially Glorious!

Charlie Hiscock (Ted Lasso, Black Mirror) plays Cosme McMoon, who is a delight as Florence’s pianist. Initially Cosme is unsure if he can work with her ‘talents’ but he soon is taken by her ways and supports her during concerts recitals and recordings. There is great chemistry between the two, at times it felt like watching a favourite sitcom on telly with each bouncing off one another. If this was a sitcom, I would binge watch the entire box set in one go as we were left hungry for more at the curtain call.

Anita Booth (Angel, Doctors) versatility is put to the test as she plays Florence’s maid – Maria (who’s Italian, rude and speaks no English), Dorothy one of Florence’s friends who recommends Cosme to Florence, and Mrs Verrinder-Gedgewho is out to put a stop to Florence’s performance. Anita skilfully flits from one character to another with easy and plays each with great panache. A special mention also needs to be given to the simple but perfect sets all giving the correct ambience from home, to recording studio to the concert venues.

There are millions over the world that love Karaoke, and bad Karaoke at that. I too love Karaoke and am bad at it, but when you get hold of that mic and your friends are singing, cheering, dancing along -  you want more. I can just imagine that Florence felt the same, the cheering crowds encouraging her and the taste of she got of fame. In recent history, Margarita Pracatan was of a similar ilk, perfect imperfection. Cole Porter loved Florence Foster Jenkins in his day, and I’m certain that all that come to see this show will fall in love with her too.

Book now following below link:

Glorious! – Hope Mill Theatre