Glorious!
(The true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world)
by Peter Quilter
Directed by Hayley Grant
Venue: Ponteland Memorial Hall, Darras Road, Ponteland, NE20 9NX
Performance Dates: Friday 4th April – Saturday 5th April 2025 (3 performances)
Rehearsals: Thursdays (7.00 – 9.30pm) from January 2025 at The Badger, Street Houses, Ponteland Road, Ponteland, NE20 9BT and an additional evening/weekend afternoon to be added for larger roles (night/weekend afternoon TBC). 3 additional Sundays in Ponteland Memorial Hall (3.00 – 6.00pm) in February/March for all cast.
Read Through: Thursday 28th November 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start at The Badger. An opportunity to meet the production team and read through the play and get to know the characters.
Audition Details: Evening of Thursday 6th December at The Badger. If you would like an audition slot please contact the director Hayley Grant. If you cannot make the audition date, then please contact us and the director can make alternative arrangements. Audition pieces by character below. Please email Hayley Grant for a PDF copy of the script and audition pieces.
Synopsis
Hilarious comedy of the worst singer in the world. In 1940s New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as “the first lady of the sliding scale,” she warbled and screeched her way through the evening to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter. But this delusional and joyously happy woman paid little attention to her critics. Instead, she was surrounded by a circle of devoted friends who were almost as eccentric as she was.
Based upon a true story, the play spins from Florence’s charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall in this hilarious and heartwarming comedy.
If you want to learn a little more, there are several amateur productions on YouTube – this is one of the better clips.
Characters (description and ages)
Florence Foster Jenkins; Female; Acting Age 50+ ; Lines 547 (American accent)
Eccentric American lady and amateur soprano. Florence Foster Jenkins is a singer. A bad singer. One of the worst ever (she just doesn’t realise it) but also kind, naïve and likeable. Requires an actress prepared to sing loudly and confidently – but not necessarily a good singer. It requires a keen sense of comedy.
Cosme McMoon: Male; Acting Age 20+; Lines 320 (American accent)
Cosme McMoon is quite a shy character with a dry sense of humour who is shocked by Florence’s inability to sing. He accompanies her on her recitals playing piano – eventually coming to appreciate her warmth and enthusiasm – whilst continually avoiding any praise of her abilities! This part requires great comedic timing – many of the laughs depend on his perfectly timed reactions to Florence. No piano playing experience required.
St Claire: Male; Acting Age 45+; Lines: 238 (English accent)
St Clair is Florence Foster Jenkins manager and boyfriend. He is an out of work English actor and accompanies Florence on all her recitals. A flirtatious and likeable character with a typical upper-class wit – Hugh Grant was well cast in this role. Again, a strong sense of comedy timing is required for this part.
Dorothy: Female; Acting Age 40+; Lines: 205 (American accent)
Dorothy is Florence’s neighbour and best friend who adores her, defends her to the hilt and genuinely seems to like her singing. She has a no-nonsense side to her character as well as enjoying a mild flirtation with St Clair.
Maria: Female; Acting Age 16+; Lines: 33 (Spanish)
Florence’s housemaid who is a feisty character and regularly gets frustrated at the lack of communication between Florence and herself. Strong gestures and facial expressions are required. This part is Spanish speaking throughout the whole play.
Mrs Verrinder-Gedge: Female; Age 30+; Lines: 60 (American accent)
An indignant, angry music lover who tries to petition for Florence to get banned for her terrible singing in the name of music and decency! This character only appears, albeit rather forcefully, in 1 scene and so would not be required for a significant chunk of rehearsals.