Glorious!, Hope Mill Theatre Review
Production image by Cian O’Ryan
Written by Thomas for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The award winning Hope Mill Theatre is a small fringe venue with very cosy spacing situated in Ancoats, Manchester. Known for its high quality productions of musicals, original work and other events. With other endeavours such as the Hope Mill Theatre School, its pioneering arts access to locals, keeping the arts alive and broadening their reach through other charitable affairs. Entering the space, and setting the tone for the evening, you are greeted by operatic arias such as the Queen of the Night from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. With its grand architecture and plush decoration, the Grade Two listed converted textile mill lends itself to the glamour of a show such as Glorious!
Peter Quilter’s stage comedy tells the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a 1940’s New York socialite and wealthy heiress, who’s passion for singing and music is only outweighed by her inability to carry a tune. Originally produced in 2005, premiering at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre then embarking on a UK Tour the show eventually landed in the West End and was nominated for Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards. In 2016 the story was brought to new life, audiences and the big screen with the star studded cast of Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. Similarly to how this production, directed by Kirk Jameson, includes stars from screen to stage.
Wendi Peters is committed, convincing and courageous with her choices. She delivers decadent, captures quirkiness and borders on deranged with her portrayal of Jenkins. Her whimsical and unabashed performance, especially in act one, epitomises the blasé behaviour of a lady of luxury and conveys the comedy of the Quilter’s script superbly. Evolving from guffaw inducing moments at her characters ridiculousness, to tender relationship blossoming moments with Hiscock’s character Cosmé to the career highlight of Jenkins performing at Carnegie Hall, Peters does a stellar job of making the audience feel for the character throughout.
Charlie Hiscock makes his stage debut playing Cosmé McMoon. Starting as Jenkins’ pianist, growing into her friend and finishing as her confidante, Hiscock flashes his acting chops showing the variety of character progression throughout, excelling at the dry humour. Narrating the plot development through the use of cutaway scenes and theatrical tactic of breaking the fourth wall – aided by the intimacy of the space – Hiscock draws the audience into the Jenkins’ whirlwind of a world through his expertly delivered and heartfelt soliloquies.
Anita Booth, multi-tasking throughout, divides her time between playing Jenkins’ hot-headed Italian housekeeper, doting best friend and outraged musical critic trying to put a stop to Jenkins’ singing career. A real talent of versatility, she shows great moments of stillness as the irate Italian to wonderfully physical frustration as the musical critic.
Glorious! Is only playing at the Hope Mill till March 30th and should not be missed!
★★★★
