Florence Foster Jenkins was an American socialite who became known and mocked for her flamboyant performance costumes and notably poor singing ability. However, that didn’t stop her from selling out Carnegie Hall.

Wendi Peters takes on the role of Florence Foster Jenkins, and Matthew James Morrison plays Cosme McMoon, the pianist who accompanied Florence despite her singing talents and was over the moon to play one of America’s prestigious venues.

Glorious! Is exactly that a glorious production that pays tribute and respect to a talented lady who never gave up despite her lack of ability. Self-belief and determination drove her forward regardless of the criticism and bad press that she regularly faced.

The one that struck me is that Peter’s brings out in this wonderful performance is how likeable and kind Florence Foster Jenkins had been, her personal life wasn’t particularly happy yet she didn’t let this stop her from being nice and incredibly loyal to her talented pianist McMoon.

Morrison has some fantastic comedy one-liners throughout the play. His delivery is perfect, and although McMoon was traumatised at first by her singing, there was a deep affection between the pair the longer they worked together. Peter’s and Morrison have that same rapport working together on stage. A believable friendship and they instinctively know when to let each other take centre stage when required.

Do not let the inevitable “bad singing” put you off going to watch this superbly delivered play Glorious! Where you can learn about the life of the fascinating socialite Florence Foster Jenkins.

For more information about Glorious! and future productions at Windsor Theatre Royal. Please use the link below.

Five Stars.

Photo credit-Chris Davis.

https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/glorious-26/

Creative Team
Director Kirk Jameson
UK Tour Casting Director  JJ Bee
Musical Supervision Nick Barstow
Scenographer and Costume Designer Ingrid Hu
Lighting Designer Mike Robertson
Sound Designer Mark Goggins
Wig Designer Helen Keane
Italian Translation & Dialect Coach Judith Blazer
Associate Costume Designer Lorraine Parry