Glorious - Derby Theatre.

Tuesday 24th February 2026

"Glorious"

Derby Theatre

Walking into the auditorium you are greeted with opera singing and glorious projected onto red curtains.

This story based on true events has witty writing by Peter Quilter complimented by comedically timed directing by Kirk Jameson. With a hidden meaning of do what you want to do and take every opportunity when it’s given. We follow Florence Foster Jenkins, and opera singer, that can’t sing, along her journey of many recitals and reality hits.

The cast for this show was quite small in to comparison when I last saw Wendi Peters in panto. She has a wide range of vocals and facial expressions which truly made Florence believable. Her rapport with the other actors was perfect, this is definitely how feel Florence would have reacted. Caroline gruber who plays Maria has a strong Italian accent, that you can tell time has been spent perfecting, a complete contrast to the high class lady she plays later on, Mrs Verrinder Gedge. Matthew James Morrison plays Cosme McMoon, an outstanding pianist with fabulous stage presence. Florence’s best friend, Dorothy, is played by Sioned Jones, the slightly ditsy but loveable character, I thoroughly enjoyed how the cast bounce off each other and smoothly make the transitions into different scenes without pausing. 

The set is made up of reversible flats to create living room and studio, floral walls which are on for the majority of the show. The only other bits of set are furniture pieces like the sofa and chair which is ‘the man’s chair’. Picked out to be in keeping with the time period. 

The lighting felt simple but effective, with use of foot lights and a wash of light for most of the performance. The only thing to note was the harsh circle light along side slightly unfocused wonky square lights, which did feel a little disjointed. I saw a few changes were made during the show as a rogue spot appeared slowly in a couple of scenes and the lighting operator ran up to the desk to tweak bits.

None of the actors were mic’d, they are only using floating floor mics to capture the whole sound which did sometimes mean you could hear the footsteps louder than voices. The smooth segways of sound effects as they go into ‘performance mode’ when she’s in the studio, is brilliant. Using surround sound and isolating certain speakers for certain sounds. 

I also have to mention the costumes, created by, the ‘day to day’ clothing was very much time period appropriate but the costumes for the shows were just WOW! Especially the angel costume, the wings were gloriously crafted along with the halo and shimmery dress. I loved it!

Overall a very funny and light hearted evening which all the audience enjoyed. I’m giving this show a 4 star just because of the few minor technical issues otherwise it would have been a 5. If you are looking for a night off with lots of laughs then go and see this show!

Glorious is at Derby Theatre, until Saturday 28th February 2026.

Written By Kiah Smith