If that was the whole story, it might not make much of a play. But, as mentioned, her talents were ‘extraordinary’. The play opens into a broad, open space, notably featuring a grand piano and bordered by huge art deco picture frames which give the characters who inhabit them, a real presence.
This indeed, is a stage setting worthy of a true diva. Glorious (Image: Ilkley Playhouse) At the beginning of the piece, Foster Jenkins (Joanne Martin), is interviewing a new accompanist Cosme McMoon (Mark Simister). He has heard of her fame, but he has not, until this moment, heard her voice.
Fair to say he is a little taken aback. The remarkable thing about dear Florence, is that in truth, she has no musical talent – at all. He voice is screechy and toneless.
She cannot pitch a note, she has almost no musicality and seemingly, she has no idea. Surrounded by loyal sycophants she has seemingly gone through life in no doubt of her own ability. Entirely complicit in this deceit, is her partner, perhaps lover, the charming English man St Clair (David Kirk).
His loyalty towards her has not waivered and indeed, he gives very little suggestion that he is aware of her short-comings. And yet, of course he is. Into this delightful mix comes Florence’s hilariously batty confidante Dorothy (Jamesine Cundell-Walker) and her very docile dog and also a maid Maria, whose every line is delivered in Spanish – which no-one understands.
There are laughs aplenty – it is a very funny play and in.
