The Warehouse Theatre
Ilminster
Glorious!
2nd to 5th September
'Glorious!' by Peter Quilter is the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, dubbed "the worst singer in the world," known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances and decidedly off-key voice.
Set in 1940s New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins. 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 follows Florence's journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her accompanist Cosme and defies her critics to follow her dreams. This is an hilarious and heartwarming comedy.
The Welkin
28th to 31st October
Set in rural England in 1759, The Welkin places us in a small, crowded room where twelve ordinary women are asked to make an extraordinary decision.
Sally Poppy, a young woman convicted of murder, claims she is
pregnant — an assertion that, if true, would spare her from execution under the law of the time. A jury of matrons is hastily assembled to determine whether she is telling the truth.
Blending dark humour with moments of intense drama, The Welkin shines a light on a forgotten corner of history, revealing how limited knowledge of women's bodies and entrenched social hierarchies could determine life or death.
At its heart, The Welkin asks a timeless question: Who has the authority to decide the truth — and at what cost?
Age recommendation 16+
