The true story of soprano Florence Foster Jenkins is set to shake the rafters of the Dolman Theatre when Newport Playgoers new season commences on October 12th.
In Peter Quilter’s comedy, Glorious: The True story of Florence Foster Jenkins, audiences will not only get to meet the worst singer in 1940’s New York, but also the world. The performer everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as ‘the first lady of the sliding scale’, Florence warbled and screeched her way through concerts to audiences who mostly fell about with laughter.
Glorious Tells True Story of Eccentric Soprano
‘She was an eccentric,’ explains actress Clare Drewett who will be playing Florence in the presentation, “but all sorts of famous people came to see her including Cole Porter and Tallulah Bankhead.
“She raised lots of money for charity and thought she was the best singer in the world. She played Carnegie Hall to an audience of 3000 people, who went mad for her!
The production, directed by Sue Burgess, will also feature Stephen Hopkins as Florence pianist and accompanist Cosmé McMoon.
‘It is really the story of her relationship with Cosmé,’ explains Clare, ‘He is at first, horrified as he thinks “This is going to ruin my career!” because he plays so brilliantly, and she is simply awful! He grows to really love her because she is such an endearing character.
Florence Foster Jenkins Comedy Has X Factor Appeal
Clare thinks Florence story has much relevance to today’s audiences, particularly to regular viewers of The X Factor.
“It reminds me of those people who say “I’m going to be like Madonna” but then they just turn out to be awful. There’s nothing that makes them realise they aren’t great!”
When To See Glorious at Newport’s Dolman Theatre
Newport Playgoers presentation of Glorious: The True story of Florence Foster Jenkins runs at Newport’s Dolman Theatre from October 12th – 16th, 2021. Performances start at 7:15pm, with an additional matinee performance at 2:00pm on the Saturday.
- For full information about this performance, please contact the Dolman Theatre on 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk for booking details and prices.