This week, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford presents 'Glorious!', Peter Quilter's affectionate and sharply observed comedy about Florence Foster-Jenkins. She was a New York socialite who became notorious and oddly adored for singing opera with magnificent conviction but little aptitude.
The real Florence Foster-Jenkins was born in 1868, inherited money, discovered music, and by sheer force of personality built a musical world where criticism scarcely mattered. Her voice has passed into American folklore and, through recordings, articles, and a film starring Meryl Streep, into wider legend. In performance, Florence was wildly off-key, rhythmically unaware, and frequently veered gloriously away from the composer's original intentions.
A Cult Figure of the Twentieth Century
Yet what makes her unforgettable is not simply the wavering, broken notes but the sincerity behind them. Florence sang because she loved singing, and at the age of 76, she filled Carnegie Hall, one of the great concert halls of the world. She achieved a cult status, making her one of the astonishing theatrical oddities of the twentieth century.
The current touring 'celebration' directed by Kirk Jameson possesses an enthusiastic approach that offers a generosity of spirit but not much more. Sadly, at times, the production appeared one-dimensional. Quilter's script has a sensitivity that allows Florence's contradictions to emerge, but the evening is delivered with such brio that many nuances are overshadowed. At times, the production leans into broad farce when a softer touch is needed.
Performance and Production
The talented Wendi Peters in the title role is allowed to find the comedy, but the humanity beneath the bravado seemed swamped by a high-camp conception, leaving little room for the deeper textures Peters can deliver. Florence need not be an absurdity but an emblem of courage—a woman either unaware but certainly unembarrassed by her limitations and wholly committed to delight. I joined a small Guildford audience but left with them, having been amused at times but otherwise disappointed.
However, on the plus side, in an age of relentless judgment, 'Glorious!' offers a cheering spectacle of someone who simply dared—dared to sing, dared to share, dared to dream. How many of us apply a handbrake to life and look back with a sigh, reflecting 'I wish I had'?
Upcoming Events at the Yvonne Arnaud
While at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, there are still a few tickets left for the YAT's Supper with the Stars—an extraordinary occasion to dine on stage with many of the actors who have appeared at the Arnaud. It is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 13. Admittedly, it is a hefty £220 per ticket, but fine dining is the order of the day, with the probability of guesting with the wonderful Dillie Keane of Fascinating Aida, Liza Goddard, who has graced the Arnaud stage on many occasions, and the Arnaud's own triumphant panto dame, Peter Gordon, to name but a few. It is a charity fundraiser aimed at continuing the Arnaud's outreach programmes.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert in Woking
The legendary musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert will be in Woking next week from Monday, May 11, and tickets are selling fast. Originally a film, it hit the stage in 2006 and seems never to have been away. For those who do not know it, it is a feel-good show with sequins, sass, boas, ABBA, and a whole lot of heart as three drag queens cross the outback to discover new opportunities for new beginnings. Kevin Clifton leads the cast, which also includes Adele Anderson, a founder member of Fascinating Aida, the amazing cabaret team mentioned earlier.
Unfortunately, most of the 'special offer' tickets at £15.60 are sold, although—and astonishing to me—many of the £90 tickets went quickly, such is the draw of the production. But it is always worth exploring the concessions on offer because these can vary from show to show. I would offer the same suggestion for 'Barnum', which stars the tight-rope trained Lee Mead in the title role and arrives on Tuesday, May 19.
