Full casting and creatives have been announced for the UK premiere of George Brant’s critically acclaimed play-with-music, Marie & Rosetta.
The show tells the true story of American singer and songwriter Rosetta Tharpe and her protégé and musical partner Marie Knight.
Directed by Monique Touko (The Boy at the Back of the Class; School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play), the show features gospel and blues hits in an electrifying portrait of the godmother of rock ’n’ roll.
The news was released today, 20 March 2025, to mark the 110th anniversary of the birth of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
As previously announced, Rosetta Tharpe will be played by multi-award-winning singer and actor Beverley Knight (Memphis, The Drifters Girl, Sylvia, Sister Act).
Joining her will be rising star Ntombizodwa Ndlovu (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Space Between Us, Mixtape, Nothing, The Mountain Top) as Marie Knight.
Video: Beverley Knight talks about her new show Marie & Rosetta
The creative team joining Monique Touko includes Set Designer Lily Arnold, Costume Designer Jodie-Simone Howe, Movement Director Kloé Dean, Music Supervisor, Arranger & Orchestrator Liam Godwin, Lighting Designer Matt Haskins, Sound Designer Tony Gayle, Intimacy Director Bethan Clark, Voice & Dialect Coach Joel Trill, Casting Director Jacob Sparrow, Associate Director Jordi M. Carter, and Associate Lighting Designer Teresa Nagel.
Marie & Rosetta is playing at London’s Rose Theatre in Kingston from 2 to 24 May, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 27 to 31 May, and Chichester Festival Theatre from 25 June to 26 July 2025.
Book tickets to Marie & Rosetta – Tour
What They Said
Director Monique Touko said in a statement: “With this UK premiere, I am incredibly grateful to work alongside such a talented, reflective, and passionate creative team whose skill and dedication will bring this story to life in the most profound way. We have found our Marie in Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, and alongside Beverley Knight, we aim to create a space where Marie and Rosetta’s powerful bond and transformative influence can resonate with UK audiences. From the performances to the design, and the injection of live music, every element of this production works in harmony to highlight the immense cultural significance of these trailblazing women.”
Christopher Haydon, Artistic Director of Rose Theatre, said: ”Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight’s story is a powerful, essential and thrilling tale of creativity and triumph in the face of adversity. To truly honour the work of such remarkable artists, we need the most exceptional cast and creative team. Monique Touko has assembled just such a group of artists. Their talent and passion will create something extraordinary, a production that will soar with passion, style and integrity. I cannot wait to share it with our audience.”
Justin Audibert, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre, said: “It’s thrilling that Monique Touko has recruited a bright young star, Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, to play opposite the magnificent Beverley Knight as Rosetta. Together with her excellent creative team, I know they will give us a revelatory, memorable and exhilarating experience. It’s no surprise to us that our audiences have rushed to snap up tickets to see this remarkable play in the intimate environment of the Minerva Theatre, and we can’t wait to see it, both here in Chichester, in Kingston and in Wolverhampton.”
Richard Twyman, Artistic Director & CEO, and Sophie Scull, Executive Producer of ETT said: “Marie and Rosetta is a beautiful and brilliant play, based on extraordinary women. Monique Touko has brought together a truly world-class cast and creative team to realise this poignant story, that I know will resonate powerfully today. We cannot wait for audiences in Kingston, Chichester and Wolverhampton to experience the production and be carried away by this magical celebration of music and theatre.”
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West End reviews of Marie & Rosetta starring Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu – @SohoPlace Theatre, London [Updated]
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