[Ad-gifted] Peter Quilter’s Glorious! The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins, The Worst Opera Singer in the World presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. is currently showing at Stoke Repertory Theatre.
The true story of Florence Foster Jenkins – notoriously known as the worst Opera singer of all time – has been told before in many forms before but most recognisably in the form of a film starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. The film allowed (most recently) everyone to be introduced to her iconic life and one that many of us had never heard of before. Her strange tale of stardom has set off a chain of cult followings and during her singing career (if you can call it that) some of her most unusual fans were that of Cole Porter and the Italian opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti. But here, in Stoke is its latest version of Florence’s tale called Glorious! at Stoke Rep Theatre.
What I thought of tonight’s performance
Tonight’s show (which is on in Stoke until Saturday) tells the tale of the fascinating performer Florence Foster Jenkins via the talented cast of the Stoke Rep Players. Rosemary Gresty who plays Florence, is so funny and seems to really have captured the true essence of the, who some might say, delusional Florence Foster Jenkins.
Florence believes herself to be a wonderful singer – but unfortunately isn’t – but has plenty of money to enable her dream to perform and record her music Gresty somehow manages to pull off the voice of a woman who puts her all into the music she is performing whilst managing to make her sound comically awful at the same time.
James King playing Cosme McMoon accompanies her throughout most of the scenes as her overshadowed and incredibly talented pianist, who has to maintain his cover and ensure he compliments and reaffirms Florence on her hidden talent!
The performances from the actors tonight were brilliant – Justine Cope playing Florence’s dedicated friend Dorothy epitomised the actors and performers of the 1940s comedic era, right down to her facial expressions, and St Clair (Florence’s long-time partner) was played by the talented Craig Wood equally stood out.
Each actor played their role perfectly even in another language like that of Maria (the housekeeper) performed by Nicci Chirnside, and the small but impacting role of Mrs Verrinder-Gedge played by Beverley Richardson who caused a ruckus in one of the later scenes were equally memorable.
The sets are simple yet super effective, with the use of projectors and simple furnishings that are interchangeable between the scenes, you really can immerse yourself within each scene. The production is well executed and you get a sense of the experience/knowledge of the Stoke Rep Players.
Although Yeah Lifestyle have reviewed performances before at Stoke Rep Theatre, this is my first time visiting and I really can’t wait to come again, so much so that I left with a handful of leaflets for their up-and-coming shows. Stoke Rep Theatre is an affordable way to access good-quality performances, plays musicals and more, and feel completely comfortable within a relaxed and effortless setting. All thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers that welcome you in the foyer and serve you reasonably priced drinks and snacks from the bar.
So if you would like to go and see this play or one of the other shows they put on throughout the year, keep reading to locate links and details on where to buy tickets.
Cast/Creative Details
Directed by: Geoff Legan
Designed by: Dawn Birks
Florence Foster Jenkins: Rosemary Gresty
Dorothy: Justine Cope
Maria: Nicci Chirnside
Mrs Verrinder-Gedge: Beverley Richardson
Cosme McMoon: James King
St Clair: Craig Wood
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £11.50 to £14.50. Concession tickets available for students and children: £10.50
How do I book tickets to watch Glorious!?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Players Box or by calling 01782 209784 (Mon to Fri from 5pm to 9pm or Sat to Sun from 10am to 5pm) or via email boxoffice@stokerepplayers.co.uk.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be run until Saturday, 14 October 2023. The shows will be at 7.30pm with a matinee show on Saturday at 2.30pm. Do visit their website for more details.
Where is Stoke Repertory Theatre?
Leek Road
Stoke-On-Trent
ST4 2TR
Tel: (01782) 209897
email: stokerep@btconnect.com
About Stoke Repertory Players
Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Players are the in-house theatre company of the Stoke Rep Theatre producing a programme of five quality theatrical productions each season with an outstanding history of 100 Years as a leading force in the artistic culture of the area.
About Stoke Repertory Theatre
The idea to have a new, purpose-built theatre was created following the destruction of the Empire Theatre in Longton by fire on New Year’s Eve 1992 after plans to purchase this wonderful period property came to an abrupt end. Fund Raising had started by the Rep members in 1991 and the new build project received the help of the Arts Council, a National Lottery grant, the support of the City Council, funds raised by the membership and the generous sponsorship of numerous local companies and businesses.
On November 7th 1997, at a Gala Evening, The Players were proud to open a brand new 250 seat theatre in Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent. It was opened by the guest of honour, the Right Honourable Mark Fisher MP, Minister for The Arts.
The Rep is a Limited Company with charitable status. It is operated and staffed by volunteers and receives no annual funding or grants from National Arts bodies or the City Council. It continues to be the the home of amateur theatre company, The Stoke on Trent Repertory Players, 2021 marked the Centenary of this group of dedicated performers.
About Concord Theatricals
CONCORD THEATRICALS is the world’s most significant theatrical company, comprising the catalogues of R&H Theatricals, Samuel French, Tams-Witmark and The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection (US only), plus dozens of new signings each year. Our unparalleled roster includes the work of Irving Berlin, Agatha Christie, George & Ira Gershwin, Marvin Hamlisch, Lorraine Hansberry, Kander & Ebb, Ken Ludwig, Marlow & Moss, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dominique Morisseau, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Thornton Wilder and August Wilson. We are the only firm providing truly comprehensive services to the creators and producers of plays and musicals, including theatrical licensing, music publishing, script publishing, cast recording and first-class production.
Tips / Information
- Free parking available at the Theatre Car Park, but try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the performance. Overspill Free Parking available at the front of Quantum House to the left of the Theatre or at the University (Mon to Fri) after 5 pm. There will be a £1 fee (card payment) charged for Sat shows at the ticket machine on the University Car Park on arrival or exit
- Coffee Bar/Theatre Bar – Opens 45 minutes prior to performance and may remain open for a limited time following the end of evening performances. Interval drinks may be pre-ordered at the Bar to avoid Interval queues. Alcoholic Drinks are NOT allowed in the Auditorium and must be consumed in the Bar Area. Only water in plastic bottles may be consumed in the Auditorium.
- Accessibility: They have designated car parking spaces and level ground-floor access to the foyer and auditorium where wheelchair access is available on Row B.
- Assistance Dogs are welcome and there is an Induction Loop provided for hearing impaired patrons.
Review by Lex Ward
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Photo Credit: Stoke Rep Theatre
11 comments
This looks like a must see!!! I love going to theatres so so much, it is such an enriching experience. I hope I get to see this one soon.
Hope you do get the chance to see it live
The story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the legendary “worst Opera singer,” has been captivatingly retold in various forms, most notably in the film starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. It’s incredible how her unique journey to stardom has gathered a devoted cult following, with even notable figures like Cole Porter and Gian Carlo Menotti as her unusual fans. Now, it’s fascinating to see her iconic life brought to the stage in Stoke’s latest rendition, “Glorious!” at Stoke Rep Theatre, continuing to keep her extraordinary legacy alive.
Well said Sue, what a fantastic story which has been brought to life again on stage
This sounds like such a fun experience! And for such a great price, too! I always loved going to the theater, and I loved reading your review of this show!
We love supporting local productions and this is one to watch
I’ve seen this movie and it was sad but also funny too. The production sounds really good and one to watch!
Absolutely, it was a lovely production to watch
Sounds like an interesting concept for a show. I need to keep an eye out for what’s on local on to me so I can see things like this x
It looks like a great show…I love that old time retro style and the tickets are very reasonable. Sounds like a great night out!
Hope you get the chance to see it live