Glorious

It occurred to me whilst watching a TV programme “Pitch Battle” if Florence Foster –Jenkins was around how she would cope with full on singing such as this, but all totally in pitch?

The wonderful true story of how she really charmed her way to performing in some very prestigious concert halls, after seeing “Glorious” so well played at the Manifest Theatre?

Another tour de force  from Amanda Rowe who gave us the full works of Florence from the “off key” renditions of some top aria’s( all beautifully sung off key)of course, to the charming and vivacious Florence who had people queing up to attend her famous concerts.

Amanda has a naturally good singing voice,and it is a very demanding ask to then have to adapt and also incredibly difficult to be” just off” on all the notes!

Matched well with Alan Wheeler playing St Clair Bayfield who had an eye for all the ladies it seemed.Alan did so well in this role and his diction was excellent.

Cosme McMoon (what a great name) played by Ben Maytham was perfect as the ever so slightly camp accompanist who was drawn into the world of Florence rather aginst his will at first,but eventually realizing where his” bread was best buttered” and continuing as her accompanist right through to the long awaited Carnegie Hall engagement.

The part of Maria, a sort of housekeeper/maid of all was superbly played by Angie Smith.One scary lady who was not bothered about sorting out one and all if the fancy took her.Impressive Italian speaking ,Angie gave this fiesty character her all.

Lea Friend as Mrs Verrinder-Gedge was very anti Florence and proceeded to enlighten her on her voice to no avail.A great interpretation of an all American lady and so well dressed as were the entire cast.

And to complete the cast the talented Val Taylor as Dorothy Florence’s No 1 fan and admirer.

Val played this role as she described as “dippy” in her resume of the part in the programme and that with eccentric added was spot on.Terrific stage presence and timing.

Amanda as Florence, was extremely elegant in all her costumes,especially  the last one when she had huge white wings complete with tiara and wonderful dress. Well done to the costume ladies as all costumes were just perfect.

Great set as we always come to expect at the Manifest, also the same with lighting.

It was a hoot! The audience obviously thought it great fun, and well done to John Roberts on his Director’s role again, in a very different style of play this time.

 It was good to have NODA East Councillor Don McKay attend this production.Don was very impressed with the wonderful true story of how she really charmed her way to performing in some very prestigious concert halls, after seeing “Glorious” so well played at the Manifest Theatre?

Another tour de force  from Amanda Rowe who gave us the full works of Florence from the “off key” renditions of some top aria’s( all beautifully sung off key)of course, to the charming and vivacious Florence who had people queing up to 

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