GLORIOUS!

27 November – 7 December

MAIN HOUSE

By Peter Quilter

Director: James Suckling

"A delightful and blissfully funny play that generates a glow of warmth and generous laughter."

 Daily Telegraph

In 1940's New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as ‘The First Lady of the Sliding Scale’ and considered ‘the worst singer in the world’, 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, which premiered at the Birmingham Rep in 2005 and transferred to the West End, ran for over 200 performances. It spins from Florence's charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at a packed out Carnegie Hall in this sublime and heart-warming comedy.

SPECIAL FILM NIGHT FEATURING LEAMINGTON SPA

MONDAY 9 DECEMBER AT THE LOFT THEATRE AT 7.30 P.M.

On 9 December, the Loft will be screening two special films by local filmmaker Mark Ellis; one from the film library of The Leamington History Group and one produced to celebrate The Loft Theatre’s Centenary celebrations.

LIFE AFTER VICTORIA: LEAMINGTON SPA IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Produced by Leamington History Group and local filmmaker Mark Ellis, Life After Victoria tells the story of the Leamington Spa in the early 20th century – its contribution to the First World War and the Votes for Women movement, the transformation in people's living conditions and workers’ rights, and the birth of some of Leamington’s most treasured cultural institutions. We also bring the long-lost Leamington and Warwick Tramway back to life!

100 YEARS OF THE LOFT THEATRE COMPANY

Commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the Company in 2022, 100 Years of the Loft explores the origins and history of the Loft Theatre Company, as well as providing a first-hand view of the productions and special events which formed part of the centenary programme. We hear from actors, tech crew and volunteers about what motivates their extraordinary commitment to their craft, and what makes the Loft so special.

SWING THAT MUSIC

Join the UK’s hardest swinging band Down for the Count All-Stars for “one hellova celebration of vintage music” (TimeOut London) – it’s time to Swing That Music!  

Described as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene” (Twinwood Festival) Down for the Count are regularly found in jazz clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott’s London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals including London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now they are bringing the sounds and feels of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show full of incredible energy, musicianship, and their own signature wry wit and humour.  

In the band’s new show for 2025, you’ll hear instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, vocal classics from singers such as Nat ‘King’ Cole, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and original arrangements of jazz standards penned by musicians in the band.

Down for the Count recreate classic tunes from the Swing Era, but this is no mere nostalgia trip – the band perform each song in their own unmistakeable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music. Combine that with the band’s top class instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible warmth and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and wanting more. 

“Awesome!!!” Michael Bublé 

“My first impulse on leaving Cadogan Hall in the wake of a standing ovation on Sunday evening was to ask permission to lay 10 stars on this outstanding gig rather than the usual five.” Jazz Journal 

All tickets £28