Glorious! show coming to Epstein Theatre in 2026

Florence Foster Jenkins is returning to Liverpool 10 years after the city was used as a location for the film – but this time the ‘worst singer in the world’ will be live and unleashed.

Glorious! which tells the story of the American patron of the arts foray into the musical world, is set to visit the Epstein Theatre from March 23-28 as part of a national tour to mark the play’s 20^th anniversary.

Wendi Peters returns to the role of the deluded New York socialite who loved to sing after appearing in the Hope Mill Theatre production which enchanted audiences at the Manchester venue earlier this year.

Peter Quilter’s comedy was first staged at the Birmingham Rep in 2005 and went on to enjoy an Olivier-nominated run in the West End. It has since been performed in 36 countries – from Australia to Venezuela - and has been translated into 25 languages.

The stage play was turned into an award-winning film in 2016, starring Meryl Streep as Foster Jenkins and Hugh Grant as her partner, with Liverpool filming locations including Water Street and the Cunard Building.

Above: Wendi Peters as Florence Foster Jenkins in Hope Mill Theatre's Glorious! Photo by Cian O'Ryan.

Foster Jenkins’ vocal performances at recitals were so appalling that she amassed a huge entourage of fans (including Enrico Caruso and Cole Porter) and tickets became like gold dust.  Her ultimate triumph was in October 1944 at Carnegie Hall where she played to a packed theatre, singing Mozart while wearing a halo and flapping angel wings. Sadly she died a month later.

The play follows her as she prepares for a series of concerts and recordings while building a remarkable new friendship with her young accompanist Cosme McMoon. At first, he is in shock at her complete lack of talent, but Cosme slowly falls under her spell.

Glorious! is described as a celebration of a unique woman who defied the critics and the audience´s laughter in order to pursue all her dreams.

Glorious! comes to the Epstein Theatre from March 23-28, 2026. Tickets HERE