Glorious! shows at the Loft Theatre in Leamington Spa

If you still need a resolution for this year, maybe I can encourage like-minded creatives to consider treating themselves to solo trips amongst the arts.  Whether that be to the gallery, cinema or theatre, how about factoring in a bimonthly bit of you time?  Lone trips are going to be one of my goals this year for myself, inspired by a solo venture to the theatre I had this winter.  In late November, I was welcomed very warmly to the Loft for a viewing of their wonderful production of Glorious! The theatre, which is hidden away at the bottom of The Parade, can be found on the banks of the River Leam after walking through Terrace Bar on the bridge near Parish Church.  Glorious! is a show that pays tribute to the real-life story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a comically terrible but much-loved opera singer.  As I entered, I was excited to be transported back to the 40’s…

As the audience filtered in, moving projections of old New York Times newspaper pages lit up the stage, accompanied by the sound of old jazz: the creation of the atmosphere and attention to detail was notable even before the curtains had lifted.

Aided by the seating layout of the theatre itself, there was a homely and intimate feel to the opening of the show.

When the performance began, you couldn’t ignore the well curated set.  Cozy, antique-looking living-room furniture, including a grand piano, told the audience that we were in the lounge of the eclectic Florence Foster Jenkins. Aided by the seating layout of the theatre itself, there was a homely and intimate feel to the opening of the show.

The performance utilised seven highly talented cast members, starring Rayner Wilson as Florence Foster Jenkins and Luca Catena as her faithful pianist, Cosme.  Wilson captured the wonderful flamboyance of the protagonist from the offset with her unique voice, both spoken and whilst singing.  Catena’s skill was showcased in his comedic timing, in which I was close enough to the stage to appreciate every facial expression that accompanied the character’s innuendos.  The characters were lovable, authentic, and perfectly honoured the historical figures they were representing.

The costume department cut no corners when honouring Foster Jenkins’ angel costume, reflecting a real look the singer had once showcased.

The glamorous costumes were sparkly and elegant, encapsulating the grandeur of 1940s American ‘showbiz’. A highlight of the show for me, and I’m sure for many others, was Foster Jenkin’s final song of the night.  As the character sings in her humorous yet unwaveringly confident tone-deaf voice, the show re-enacts the soprano’s iconic performance that took place at the Carnegie Hall in October of 1944, now almost 80 years ago.  The costume department cut no corners when honouring Foster Jenkins’ angel costume, reflecting a real look the singer had once showcased.  The angelic look was completed with light-up wings that the character was able to spread and hold as she danced across the stage, and the retro silhouette of the costume was not lost despite this modern touch.

On a whole, the show was an incredibly easy, feel good watch.  The narrative of Glorious! is incredibly uplifting, with a story that motivates every novice to never give up on their art, even in the face of criticism.  The performance ended in a direct address to the audience, telling us that Foster Jenkins’ Carnegie Hall show was completely sold out on the night.  Whilst she was a comedic sensation, we are told that all laughter was drowned out by the cheers of support from those who admired her bravery to stand up and sing.

For those interested further in the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, look to the 2016 film, Florence Foster Jenkin¸ with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant starring.  I wonder if Foster Jenkins had any idea of the way her life would continue to be retold and performed as an inspiration to other creatives.  The Loft did an excellent job of bringing her narrative to life this winter, capturing the glamour of 1940s New York and intimate performances from every character.

For students, and lovers of theatre, the Loft Theatre Leamington offers free tickets for those aged between 16 and 25, valid to use for the exciting new shows coming up this season.