Review: Glorious!
Reviewing a theatrical production is always a fascinating experience. Sometimes a show is fun, entertaining, or thought-provoking — and occasionally it misses the mark entirely. But it’s rare to encounter a production that is deliberately, gloriously bad… until now.
Glorious! — currently playing at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich — is intentionally off-key by design. The play tells the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, famously dubbed the “worst singer in the world.” Despite her questionable vocal talent, she amassed a devoted cult following and routinely sold out theatres whenever she performed.
Written by Peter Quilter, Glorious! first delighted West End audiences in 2005, starring Maureen Lipman. It later inspired a successful film adaptation featuring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. This latest production continues the enduring fascination with a woman whose reputation for being “awful” has never stopped audiences talking about her.
In this version, Florence is superbly portrayed by Wendi Peters (best known for Coronation Street). As the story unfolds, you find yourself gradually warming to — and even admiring — this eccentric woman, whose admirers once included the likes of Cole Porter and Enrico Caruso. A similar journey of reluctant admiration is experienced by her young pianist, Cosmé McMoon, played by Matthew James Morrison (formerly of EastEnders), who also serves as the show’s narrator.
When Cosmé first hears Florence sing, he can scarcely believe his ears. Should he tell her the truth? Dare he shatter her unwavering confidence? Or will her flamboyant charm and absolute self-belief win him over?
It leaves you wondering: did Florence truly know how unconventional her singing was? She clearly adored performing — but was she cleverly playing to her audience, or did she genuinely believe she was a great artist? Perhaps that unwavering self-belief was her greatest performance of all.
Whatever the truth, she made such an impression that she is still remembered today.
Glorious! runs at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich until 7th March before embarking on a nationwide tour.
For tickets, contact the New Wolsey Theatre box office on 01473 295900 or book online www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/glorious/
Full tour dates www.gloriousplay.com
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Photo: Chris Davis