Glorious! The True Story Of Florence Foster Jenkins, The Worst Singer In The World World, presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. is heading to Stoke Repertory Theatre in Staffordshire this October.
Based upon a true story, the play spins from Florence’s charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall in this hilarious and heart-warming comedy.
In 1940s New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as “The First Lady of the Sliding Scale”, she warbled and screeched her way through the evening to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter. But this delusional and joyously happy woman paid little attention to her critics, instead she was surrounded by a circle of devoted friends who were almost as eccentric as she was. She loved what she did and she believed she was bringing great pleasure to her adoring audiences – which, in a way, she was.
A story of self-belief – if there’s a lesson to be learned from Florence’s life it is simply to live your life to the fullest and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way.
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
Rosemary Gresty – Rosemary’s first play with The Rep in was 1978 Charley’s Aunt, Brandon Thomas’s late Victorian farce. Her first singing role was Dulcie in the musical The Boyfriend. After returning to the area from university she taught at St Joseph’s College. Rosemary has played many different roles from the dramatic Blanche in Streetcar Named Desire to the hilarity of Brooke in Noises Off at The Rep’s old theatre in Beresford Street in 1988.
Justine Cope – Justine has been performing locally in plays and musicals for over 25 years and made her debut with The Rep Players in Calendar Girls last year. Alongside acting she enjoys writing, directing and teaching, and is a Creative Director of Fusion Performance Arts. Her favourite roles have included Gail in Teechers, Sue in I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire and Helga in ’Allo, ’Allo!
Nicci Chirnside – Nicci has been performing most of her life as a musician before getting a taste for acting. She’s been in plays and musicals at The Rep the first play being Comfort & Joy in 2015. She can be found performing magic and Punch & Judy but is no stranger to The Rep being the Assistant Director of the Young Rep Acting School. Her most recent play was Calendar Girls in 2022.
Beverley Richardson – Beverley has enjoyed being in several plays with The Rep Players since joining in 2009. She played Sybil in Fawlty Towers (2014), was in Arsenic & Old Lace (2017) and Noël Coward’s Present Laughter (2022). Beverley’s favourite role was Edith in ’Allo, ’Allo! Her most recent play was Calendar Girls in 2022.
James King – James’ first play with the Rep was Holmes & The Ripper in 2013. Since then, he’s acted in almost 20 plays and directed or assistant directed on a couple of occasions as well. His favourite roles for The Rep Players include Jack Lane in The Herbal Bed (2013), Neville Smallwood in Silhouette (2016) and Jeremy Warrender in Spider’s Web (2022). His most recent play was The Last Of The Haussmans (2023).
Craig Wood – Craig joined The Rep for Journey’s End — the final production at the old theatre in Beresford Street in 1997. He’s appeared in numerous shows since then. His favourite play was Humble Boy (Playing Felix Humble) in 2010. He co-director A Bunch Of Amateurs in 2019 and made directorial debut with Don’t Dress For Dinner (2020). Other plays he’s been in are The Importance Of Being Earnest (2005), Don Carlos (2008) and Lend Me A Tenor (2018).
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 opening on Tuesday, 10 October will 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.
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Photo Credit: Stoke Repertory Theatre
