Glorious!

Written by Peter Quilter this play is based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world. The set is very clever as it starts in Florence’s apartment complete with grand piano, and I liked the way the stage crew changed the set into the various different scenes with clever use of lighting and adding and taking away of props, changing it into recording studio, churchyard and Carnegie Hall. The costumes are also very good and colourful.

Director Sally Whyte has paid a lot of attention to detail and has an excellent cast in this production. Lucie Evans is superb as Florence, her comic timing and facial expressions are just right. Lucie captures Florence’s larger than life character and left me thinking she must have been a happy lady that didn’t pay any attention to her critics, enjoying her life with her equally eccentric friends. 

Steven Reynolds plays the part of Cosme McMoon, Florence’s pianist; there are some nice comedy moments with the other characters. Steve Russell is great as St. Clair an English actor that lives with Florence. Julie Lax plays Dorothy the best friend, and Alla Mills is great as the Spanish maid that no one can understand. There is great chemistry between them all and they are all really likeable.

Peter Ansell is the radio commentator and also takes on various roles, and Tasha South is Mrs Verrinder-Gedge who is the only one that seems to be against Florence and her singing and causes quite a scene, I’m sure Nathan East had something to do with it.

The play ends with Florence’s sell out Carnegie Hall show. I loved the angel wings and the ‘terrible’ singing. A great evening’s entertainment.   

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