Glorious!

Glorious! (The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins – The Worst Singer in the World) a play performed by Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society at Chorley Theatre, Dole Street, Chorley on Wednesday 22nd February, 2023

“Glorious!” is a hilarious 2005 stage comedy written by Peter Quilter about Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world.  In 1940's New York, Jenkins was the performer who everyone wanted to see live, 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 just surrounded herself with a circle of devoted friends who were almost as eccentric as she was.  Based upon a true story, the play spins from Florence's charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph when she plays to a ‘sell-out’ audience at Carnegie Hall…this is a story of a lady who dared to dream!

Production Team… Zoe Jones (Director) was the lady tasked with staging this hilarious play!  It was obvious from the start that Zoe knew exactly what she wanted and had paid a great deal of attention to detail.  A well-chosen cast, who complimented each other superbly, helped her achieve her vision! Rachel Toner (Musical Director) Rebecca Dickenson (Choreographer) and Ian Robinson (Producer) completed the production team… they should all be congratulated on the success of this play! 

The Cast… we had a cast of seven … 4 females and 3 males, all of whom, as previously stated, complimented each other perfectly!  As most will know, this is where I usually ‘stick my neck out’ and start selecting favourites… MY favourites… so for my ‘show stealer’ I really didn’t have to look any further than our ‘leading lady’… Susan Hilton who took on the role as ‘The worst singer in the World’… ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ and played it with great aplomb!  The story of Jenkins is, ‘without doubt’ one of the most curious chapters in musical history… a wealthy socialite who inflicted her own vocal style on the public with amazing results!  She developed a cult following which included the likes of Cole Porter, Gian Carlo Menotti, Lily Pons and Sir Thomas Beecham!  Susan, made this part her own… confident, wonderful characterisation, stage presence aplenty, spot on comic timing, great mannerisms and facial expressions … the delivery of her musical arias had the entire audience roaring with laughter and appreciation!  Be ever so proud Susan, an amazing job!  Following close on Susan’s heels was Giuseppe De Martino who was a perfect fit for the role of ‘Cosme McMoon’ madame’s pianist.  The show opens with Florence interviewing or should I say forcing Cosme to become her next pianist… the interview was hilarious!  Money talks and Cosme accepts!  Giuseppe takes us on an emotional journey… from when he first meets and hears Florence sing when he is horrified, to developing a love and respect for her as their relationship grows!  Confident, wonderful stage presence, wonderful characterisation, some great one liners and his native Italian accent added something special I felt. His final speech at the end of the play, reminiscing Florence’s story, was poignant and well delivered!  Well done sir… great job!  Natalie Howarth was hilarious as the ‘fiery maid’ ‘Maria’… who only speaks Mexican.  Loud, brash, scary at times, with great stage presence, Natalie made this part look far easier that it obviously was and although I didn’t understand a word she said all night, her actions and her facial expressions left us in no doubt what she was wanting to say or how she felt!  I feel at this point that I should be congratulating Natalie on mastering the Mexican language, but I’d be guessing that she actually did that, but it sounded real, felt real, so congrats Natalie, be ever so proud!  David Walker and Kath Townsend took on the roles of ‘St Clair Byfield’ and ‘Dorothy’ respectively. Both close friends and supporters of Florence in most everything she did and stood for!  St Clair is British, a flamboyant out of work actor who lives in New York who is always hoping to find his next job, but in truth he’s quite content in supporting Florence in everything she does until he collapses with a suspected heart attack!  ‘Dorothy’ is Florence’s dotty dog loving best friend and probably Florence’s biggest fan!  She pop’s in and out of the play along with her dog.  Kath created a very believable character in Dorothy, a character full of fun and energy!  Well done you two… be proud!  Rachel Toner took on the role of ‘Mrs Johnson’ the snooty society spokesperson, who is in possession of a petition from a music appreciation society to stop Florence performing!  Rachel demonstrates wel,l the character’s outrage at the petition not making any impression on Florence or her friends.  Be proud Rachel good job!  Finally, Robert Toner was the ‘voice’ of a Radio Announcer who is never seen just heard!

Staging/Set/Tech… as always here at Chorley Theatre the staging, the sets and the technical side of thing are always first class and provides the actors with the perfect space to ply their trade! Loved the projected images and the musical accompaniments throughout which enhanced the show. So, it’s congrats to Ellie Brown (Stage Manager), Mark Jones (Set Design) their capable ‘Set Crew’ - Luke Brown, Ryan Berry, Julie Norris, Ciaran McGhee, John Holland, Meg Ryder, Delilah and Hermione Jones and Ella Norris who made all things work ever so well and the ‘Set Builders’ - Shaun McManus, Leigh Mower, Steven Catterall, Ian Robinson, Robert Baker and Ronnie Webb and ‘Set Dresser’ – Sandra Dickinson.

Sound and Lighting… great sound and some thoughtful lighting was evident throughout. Paul Carr (Lighting Design) and Rachel Toner (Sound Design) and their ever so capable Production Crew of Jasmin Davenport, Ben Holden, Isaac Hobbs, Ian Robinson and Steven Catterall… be proud, great job folks!

Costumes were under the watchful eye of Rebecca Dickinson and provided by ‘Charades’ of St Helens.

Props… were well thought out and used well – keeping an eye on them was Nathan Benson… congrats!

Loved the play, loved the characters…. Well done one and all great job… be proud!

Thank you so much for the invitation… really did enjoy the whole evening; it really is always a pleasure to visit you and I hope to see you again very soon!

Stay safe and keep well…
'Stonger Together'

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.