Marie & Rosetta
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre have welcomed back the insanely talented Wolverhampton icon Beverley Knight this week, along with co-star Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as they star in Marie & Rosetta, the true story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe hailed as the ‘Godmother of Rock n’ Roll. Well, what a night it was! Talent that is truly heaven sent.
Marie & Rosetta is a powerful and soul-stirring play with music that chronicles the first rehearsal between gospel icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her young protégée, Marie Knight. Set in a Mississippi funeral parlour in 1946, the play explores the electrifying collision of their distinct musical styles and personal backgrounds. As they prepare for a tour that would change the course of American music, the two women share stories, challenge each other, and forge a bond through gospel, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. With spirited performances of classics like “This Train” and “Didn’t It Rain,” Marie & Rosetta celebrates faith, resilience, and the groundbreaking legacy of two unsung pioneers.
Anyone who knows me knows what a fan I am of Beverley Knight, who never fails to amaze me with her incredible vocal talents, however this show also showcases her faultless acting skills. This two-hander play with music, running for 1 hour 40 minutes with no interval really does need to connect with the audience, and that it does. The dialogue between Knight and Ndlovu runs at such a pace that I’m in awe of how they remember it all. Director Monique Touko has taken a truly incredible story and staged it in such a way where every line lands perfectly, and each moment between the pair means something.
As the audience we are totally engrossed in the relationship between Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight who delve deeper and deeper into each other’s emotions and their joint love of music. Talking of the music, these moments really were the icing on the cake. Gospel music has an impact like no other genre of music and to hear both beautiful voices bringing these moments to life was an honour in itself. From acapella singing by Ndlovu which stirred such emotion, to the upbeat numbers that had the audience revelling in its delight, makes this play stand out. A fantastic feature in the programme reveals a QR code so you can download a Spotify playlist of this incredible music, I love this attention to detail!
The musicians are on stage throughout, hidden behind thin curtains that open and close when we are treated to their talent. All of them should be commended for their ability to fill the theatre with the most joyous and heartfelt music which complemented the story beautifully. The staging by Lily Arnold was indictive of it’s 1940’s backdrop, with thick green carpet in circular formations which was covered inch by inch by Knight and Ndlovu throughout the show. There was a large coffin adorned with a beautiful floral arrangement and a large crucifix at the back of the stage, offering that constant reminder of how pivotal faith was to both of these characters.
This show, having had a successful run in Kingston, spends this week in Wolverhampton, before heading to the Chichester Festival Theatre for a month over June and July. If I have any recommendation, it would be to beg, steal or borrow a ticket to this show which showcases the most incredible talent. The last 10 minutes of the show will assert how beautiful the writing is by George Brant, but no spoilers from me.
This show was reviewed at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on the 27th May 2025 where it runs until the 31st May 2025. Tickets available here: Marie & Rosetta | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Tickets for the show at the Chichester Festival Theatre between the 25th June – 26th July 2025 can be found here: Marie and Rosetta | Chichester Festival Theatre
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Marc Brenner
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