Carmel ThomasonEvery Britain’s Got Talent hopeful who’s had their dreams shattered by the forked tongue of Simon Cowell need look no further than Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) for comfort.
Who cares what the critics may say? Go for it anyway. Or as Florence herself said: “There are those who say I cannot sing, but no one can say I didn’t sing.”
Glorious is a joyous comedy play by Peter Quilter that celebrates Florence’s passion and eccentricity while transporting us back to the days of variety hall theatre.
Many will be familiar with the story from the 2016 film starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. The play, first staged in 2005, has the audience view Florence through the eyes of her young accompanying pianist, Cosmé McMoon.
In just four fast-paced scenes it takes us from their first meeting in Florence’s sitting room to the recording studio; a gala ball performance to the stage of Carnegie Hall. Yes, this is one of those stories so outrageously implausible it’s got to be true.
Of course, there is much comedy value in hearing an amateur deludedly singing Mozart’s Queen of the Night, but this comedy is more than a one joke show.
Quilter’s script bounces along with quick-witted one-liners which director Kirk Jameson and his terrific cast layer with perfectly pitched physical comedy.
Wendi Peters is Glorious in every sense of the word as Florence Foster Jenkins, bringing Les Dawson style skill and timing to her off-key singing. It says a lot about her acting presence that while Cilla Battersby-Brown was in Coronation Street for less than 5 years more than a decade ago, she’s still such a memorable character. Here there are no traces of the brash Battersby. Instead, we see a warm, funny, self-deluded eccentric with at times a Mickey Mouse high, hyperactivity to her voice. It is hard not to be swept off our feet by her whirlwind of enthusiasm, her just as her pianist, friends and most of her audience are.
Charlie Hiscock feels like another casting coup for the production. Hiscock is making his theatrical debut as Cosmé McMoon but he is no stranger to screen roles having starred in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso and BBC/Netflix drama Red Rose. The intimate stage at Hope Mill works perfectly for his understated style which portrays so much with a single expression. As his reaction to Florence’s passion for her art moves from horror to genuine affection so the audience warms towards her too.
Anita Booth completes the cast taking on a variety of roles from Florence’s Italian housekeeper Maria to her most vocal critic Mrs Verrinder-Gedge. Each character is embodied with a vibrant vigour matching the energy of the play.
This is Hope Mill Theatre’s first in house production for 2025, and what a terrific way to start the company’s tenth year.
Bravo, Hope Mill Theatre. Here’s to another 10 years of theatrical joy!
Glorious is at Hope Mill Theatre from 27 February to 30 March 2025.
Steve Timms
Liz Ratcliffe