Stage Review GLORIOUS!
- debra Hall
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
GLORIOUS!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writer: Peter Quilter
Director: Kirk Jameson
About Florence Foster Jenkins
Based on the true story of New York socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins (1868 - 1944). Florence became known as the Coloratura Soprano singer who sang high notes gloriously out of tune. Nevertheless, she became a recording artist and was known for chamber music performances brought about by her membership of various societies.
Much to his better judgement, Cosme McMoon agrees to play piano accompaniment at Florence's bookings as the money on the table was too good to turn down. Florence used her wealth also, to obtain a high level of flamboyancy in the form of lavish costumes and extra large floral displays and installations. An effort to detract attention away from the limitations of her singing talent, perhaps. Anyway, Florence was the whole package and confident with it.
Her love of the high life meant she could manage the levels of critical disapproval by almost vetting her audience prior to performing. Thereby, quelling opportunities that may have, otherwise, opened up serious discussion as to her worthiness of being an operatic performer with merit.
Florence would send an Italian Aria into a toe curling proliferation of flat notes when singing the sliding scales at the top end. A tour de force for all the wrong reasons, but she became comedy gold with New Yorkers. Florence defied the critics and the art snobs by achieving a sell out performance at Carnegie Hall. Cosme, who had grown to adore her, was forever thankful for the opportunity she gave him to play alongside her at such a prestigious venue.
Comment
Matthew James Morrison as Cosme delivers a quality narration in a deep, NYC accent, and, in character. he is convincing with all the necessary staying-power requirements needed to accompany such a diva like Florence.
Wendi Peters acts all that is in good taste and in bad taste about Florence and the incredible self image that she managed to nuture for herself. Sometimes it is hard to perform something outside the conventional parameters of expectation on purpose, but Peters has a booming set of lungs that hits all the wrong notes in the wrong places. She is a real sweetie in this role.
Liking too, the welcome interjection of Sioned Jones as Florence's friend, Dorothy who is party loving and full of positivity in her portrayal. And, last but not least actor, Caroline Gruber shows her versatility by playing both the grumpy, Italian maid, Maria; and Mrs Verrinder Gedge: a character that acts as spokesperson and whom says all of what most people are thinking in regard to Florence's awful voice. The latter became a natural villain (with the Derby audience) in a fun sense.
A light-hearted, comedy play about a lady who just liked to perform without putting too much effort in. Florence had an innocence and eccentricity about her and this production captures the spirit of her rather well.
REFERENCES
Derby Theatre GLORIOUS! printed programme
Derby Theatre Derby Theatre 50th Anniversary Celebrations and Press Performances Jan–Feb (08 Jan 2026)
Derby Theatre Glorious Press Night at Derby Theatre (23 Feb 2026)
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