Beverley Knight is set to star in the stunning new production Marie and Rosetta at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre.
The Olivier award-winning singer will take the key role of Rosetta Tharpe in the roof-raising play with music from June 25 to July 26.
It tells the true story of American singer and songwriter Rosetta Tharpe and her protégé Marie Knight as part of Festival 2025; full details of the Festival season will be announced on February 13.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the ‘godmother of rock ‘n’ roll’, influenced countless musicians from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history.
Credited with being one of the founders of rock and roll, Sister Rosetta changed the face of gospel music with her exuberant, electric guitar-playing style.
Shunned by straitlaced church folk for performing in nightclubs and glorying in rhythm and blues, she persuaded saintly young singer Marie Knight to join her on a tour of the segregated southern States. But first she had to convert Marie’s pure Sunday sound into something that has just a little more swing.
Beverley Knight said: “It is a great honour to be cast in the role of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, one of the unsung architects of rock ‘n’ roll. I am and have always been a storyteller, whether it be in a purely music form or in a theatrical setting.
“I’m excited to be able to tell the Sister Rosetta story in this important play about her life, trailblazing career and her relationship with the legendary gospel singer Marie Knight.
“This will be my first role in a professional play; I have performed many times in plays at an amateur level and I’m so thrilled that I get to tell HER story as my debut.
“Sister Rosetta Tharpe, with her powerful expressive voice, her electrifying guitar and her Gospel message laid the foundations on which Chuck Berry, Ike Turner, Elvis Presley and literally everyone else has walked. The Godmother of rock ‘n’ roll deserves to be celebrated and remembered.”
This Chichester Festival Theatre, Rose Theatre (Kingston) and ETT production features a wealth of joyous rock and gospel hits including Didn’t It Rain and Peace in the Valley. George Brant’s play is directed by Monique Touko who believes it carries an important message as well as being immensely enjoyable.
She said: “This powerful story feels very timely. This play allows us to not only celebrate the incredible lives of two trailblazing black female musicians, but to immerse ourselves in their world, blending song and spectacle to bring their legacy to life.
“We’ll zoom in on the moments of their lives, big and small, and amplify their voices — both literally and metaphorically. It’s a privilege and a responsibility to depict these women in their full glory, ensuring they receive the recognition they so deeply deserve for their monumental contributions to music and culture.”
Booking details
CFT Friends and Champions’ priority booking will open on Saturday February 22 online and Tuesday February 25 by phone and in person. General booking opens online on Saturday March 1, and by phone and in person from Tuesday March 4. Visit cft.org.uk for further details.
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