GLORIOUS!, a new comedy by Peter Quilter, tells the true story of an American singer with a difference in 1940s New York.

Eccentric Florence Foster Jenkins made a career out of singing, despite not being able to hit a single note.

A tight script offers laughs by the minute, encompassing wordplay, one-liners, innuendo and a hint of slapstick. Clever stage direction ensures this is complemented by a great sense of visual comedy.

However, the musical moments, performed by the superb Maureen Lipman, as Florence, truly steal the show. She screeches and warbles in a manner of which the 'first lady of the sliding scale' herself would be proud.

Her climactic performance at the famous Carnegie Hall is a whirl of white noise, absurd costume and bizarre movement.

The comedy maintains relentless pace throughout, as if observing Madam Jenkins' own assertion that 'living on a cloud is far more enjoyable'.

Florence is surrounded throughout by a circle of devoted friends who are almost as eccentric as she is. These are brought to live life fantastically by the supporting cast, with moments of genuine sentiment.

Glorious! runs until tomorrow(Saturday).

Tarik Al Rasheed