Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 16th May 2026
Reviewed by Adam Craddock
4****
On Tuesday night I had the pleasure to be invited along to the fabulous Darlington Hippodrome to review the touring production of Glorious! The play follows the true story of the eccentric American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, perhaps the worst singer to ever play Carnegie Hall, and the unlikely bond she builds with her accompanist Cosme McMoon. I knew virtually nothing about the story of Florence Foster Jenkins going into the play, only knowing the basics about her being a bad singer and that there was a film about her starring Meryl Streep, but I have to say I was thoroughly surprised by just how lovely of a story it is!
Wendi Peters stars as Florence Foster Jenkins. Peters has a very warm charm to her portrayal, really making you root for her character and I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone do such a good job of singing so badly! By keeping her pitch for the most part, every single duff note was its own gag and had my partner in absolute stitches! Her physicality was brilliant too, with some brilliant physical comedy especially in her extravagant costumes. Matthew James Morrison co stars as the talented accompanist Cosme McMoon. Morrison did a fabulous job of acting as our narrator throughout the story and watching the relationship build between McMoon and Foster Jenkins was truly warming. His physicality at the piano was also spot on as well. I don’t know if Morrison is a pianist or not but if he wasn’t, he did a damn good job at fooling me. Sioned Jones was strong as Dorothy, the doting friend of Foster Jenkins, with her slightly vacant portrayal being very endearing. Caroline Gruber was hilarious as Maria/Mrs Verinder Gedge, particularly when playing the former. Gruber was the perfect disgruntled servant and, whilst I don’t speak a word of Italian, I got exactly what she was saying through her exceptional comedic timing. Bravo! The set was great, providing exactly what was required without going over the top. Sound and lighting were both spot on and the costumes for me were an absolute highlight!
Overall, I would highly recommend a trip to catch Glorious! whilst it is in Darlington. This is a warm and funny show that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is one not to be missed.