Wendi Peters will star as Florence Foster Jenkins in Glorious! The True Story of The Worst Singer in the World, at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre in February (27-March 30, 2025).
The show follows the infamous New York socialite and would-be concert singer's journey in 1940s America as she prepares for her concerts and pursues her passion to perform – despite being unable to sing a note in tune. Despite which her notoriously off-key recitals gained a devoted following - including admirers Enrico Caruso and Cole Porter - and her performances became must-see events.
Wendi Peters is best known for her long-running role as Cilla Battersby in Coronation Street and most recently she has been a regular on Doctors. Other TV credits include Midsomer Murders, Hetty Feather and Soapstar Superstar, as well as Celebrity Mastermind, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Sewing Bee for Children in Need, which she won. Wendi was most recently seen on stage as Mother Superior in the UK tour of Sister Act.
"I’m thrilled to be playing such a ‘glorious’ character as Florence Foster Jenkins and I know I’m going to have such fun portraying her at the wonderful Hope Mill Theatre," she said.
Written by Peter Quilter, the play premiered at Birmingham Rep before moving to the West End in 2005, where It received an Olivier Award nomination for best new comedy. Since then it has been translated into 25 languages and performed in 36 countries, including productions in Sydney, Hong Kong, Vienna, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto and Madrid. A 2016 film version, Florence Foster Jenkins, starred Meryl Streep.
Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton are looking forward to the 10th anniversary year of the theatre they founded and still run.
Glorious! is Hope Mill’s 37th production in a decade and it is an honour to have Wendi Peters join our already growing alumni of star performers and in the wonderfully eccentric role of Florence Foster Jenkins," they said. "This production marks the first in what will be an extremely exciting 2025."
More information and tickets here