by Editor | Feb 5, 2026 | Theatre
Thomas Hopkins Productions presents
the 20th anniversary UK touring production of hit West End comedy
Glorious!
Starring Wendi Peters and Matthew James Morrison
Coming to Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre 2 – 7 March 2026
Glorious!, the hit West End comedy about Florence Foster Jenkins, the ‘worst singer in the world’, will visit Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre from Monday 2 to Saturday 7 March, as part of a 20th anniversary UK tour.
Starring stage and screen legend Wendi Peters (Coronation Street, Doctors, Sister Act UK Tour) and EastEnders star Matthew James Morrison, Glorious! tells the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, who was known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances, and decidedly off-key voice.
Mocked, for her flamboyant performance costumes and poor off key singing, she nonetheless became a cult-figure in New York City during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, with celebrated composer and songwriter Cole Porter and classical conductor Sir Thomas Beecham among her dearest celebrity fans. Glorious! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her biggest ever sold-out recital at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall, building an unlikely friendship with her accompanist, Cosme McMoon, and defying her army of critics to follow her dreams.
Wendi Peters, who stars as Florence Foster Jenkins, is best known for her long-running role as Cilla Battersby in the hit ITV soap Coronation Street and most recently was a regular on the BBC show Doctors as Nina Bulsara. Her many other TV credits include Midsomer Murders, Hetty Feather, Hacker Time and Sadie J. Wendi has also competed on various shows including Soapstar Superstar, Celebrity Mastermind, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Sewing Bee for Children in Need, which she won. Wendi was most recently seen as Mother Superior in the UK Tour of Sister Act. Her other theatre credits include: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (UK Tour), You Are Here (Southwark Playhouse), BIG The Musical (West End), The Game (Northern Broadsides) and White Christmas (West End, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, The Lowry, Salford).
Matthew James Morrison, who stars as Cosme McMoon, comes direct from EastEnders, after more than three years playing Felix Baker and his alter ego “Tara Misu” – the first drag queen to appear as a regular character in a British soap opera –
The cast also features West End leading ladies Caroline Gruber (Leopoldstadt, Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution – London County Hall, 2000 Years – National Theatre) as Florence’s long-suffering maid Maria and society busybody Mrs Verrinder-Gedge; and Sioned Jones (Thirteen, Women Beware Women, All’s Well That Ends Well – all National Theatre) as Florence’s best friend and biggest fan, Dorothy. Sioned will also cover the role of Florence Foster Jenkins, as she did 20 years ago alongside Dame Maureen Lipman in the original West End production.
Completing the cast are Ella-Maria Danson as ASM/Cover Maria/Dorothy and Mrs Verrinder-Gedge, and Ryan Hall as ASM/Cover Cosme McMoon.
Glorious! first wowed audiences in its original long-running West End production starring Dame Maureen Lipman in 2005, before coming to the silver screen in 2016 as Florence Foster Jenkins, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. The show has since been
seen by millions of people around the world, translated into 25 languages, and performed in 36 countries to date. The current production, directed by Kirk Jameson (Song From Far Away, Madagascar the Musical) premiered at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre.
To book tickets for the New Wolsey Theatre dates of Glorious!, visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/glorious
by Editor | Feb 5, 2026 | Music
Sonic Wave presents an evening of African songs, Indian-influenced rhythms and jazz in the Waveney Valley, Suffolk.
On Saturday 14th March at The Cut arts centre in Halesworth, Suffolk, music promoters Sonic Wave host their first event of 2026 with a double bill of African songs with Anna Mudeka, followed by the Jesse Barrett Trio – the new project of expanding jazz from the former Mammal Hands drummer.
“We’re delighted to welcome these two amazing East Anglian acts to Halesworth” says Sonic Wave organiser Françoise Lamy, “and by coincidence, both have just released their new albums and are touring this year, so it’s a great opportunity to discover their new material here in Suffolk!”
Percussionist and tabla player Jesse Barrett, described as “virtuosic” by The Guardian, leads his exciting new trio through multi-layers of rhythmic compositions and atmospheric soundscapes. Influenced by everything from North Indian rhythms, jazz improvisations and electronics, their performances skilfully blur the lines between ancient and modern! As part of their debut album tour promoting their Adhyatma release, Jesse will be joined by long time collaborator Owen Morgan on bass, and multi-instrumentalist Peter Beardsworth.
Drawing on her Zimbabwean heritage, singer, multi-instrumentalist and all round polymath Anna Mudeka performs a solo show, including songs from her upcoming album Ruvimbo, inspired by traditions and myths of her forebears – the Shona people. In the last year she garnered rave reviews for her much acclaimed solo theatrical production Mama Afrika, the true story of the late South African singer Miriam Makeba, which she also performed at The Cut. Let your soul be transported with songs in Kalanga, Ndebele and in Shona, with storytelling garnered from her grandmother, chanting, and a wonderfully rich combination of sounds.
Audiences can also enjoy a meal with flavours from Europe and the Middle East from 6pm, and the Halesworth Harmony choir will perform a few songs in the café before the concerts in the theatre begin at 7:30pm.
Sonic Wave: Anna Mudeka + Jesse Barrett Trio (double bill)
Saturday 14th March, at The Cut, 8 New Cut, Halesworth IP19 8BY.
Tickets: £15 adv / £20 door / £25 adv with meal (limited number) from www.thecut.org.uk and 0300 303 3211 (Tue – Sat, 10am – 2pm)
Sonic Wave is organised by local artists Addictive TV and supported by Arts Council England. Follow Sonic Wave on Facebook and Instagram @SonicWaveney
by Editor | Jan 26, 2026 | Music, Featured
Newmarket Racecourses are thrilled to welcome the return of KAISER CHIEFS to the July Course, marking their first appearance since their blistering headline in 2019. The announcement also completes the music line-up for the summer season, with the Brit Award-winning band taking to the stage in the afternoon on Summer Saturday Live, 22nd August.
Formed in Leeds in 2000, Kaiser Chiefs are one of the leading bands of their generation. Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson with Simon Rix on bass, Andrew ‘Whitey’ White on guitar, Nick ‘Peanut’ Baines on keyboards and drummer Vijay Mistry, the band have had a string of anthemic hits such as “Oh My God,” “I Predict A Riot,” “Everyday I Love You Less and Less,” “Never Miss A Beat” and “Hole In My Soul”.
The band have released 8 original studio albums which includes their Mercury nominated debut, Employment which sold over 2 million copies, its number 1 follow up, Yours Truly, Angry Mob, which went twice-platinum in the UK alone and Education Education Education and War which entered the UK Album Charts at number 1. They have achieved, top ten singles including the infamous number 1 hit “Ruby,” 3 Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello award for Album of the Year, toured with U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day and sold 8 million albums.
Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, said
“Kaiser Chiefs are a firm favourite here at Newmarket. As 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of their debut album Employment, you can be sure to hear all your favourite hits when they headline Summer Saturday Live on 22nd August. The line-up for Newmarket Nights in 2026 is now complete and incredibly strong, offering something for everyone, with headliners spanning a wide range of genres. We can’t wait to welcome many of you this summer for some remarkable evenings of music and racing.”
The Newmarket Nights series continues to set the standard for value-packed entertainment in the East, combining thrilling afternoon racing with full headline performances from some of the nation’s biggest music stars. With a single ticket granting access to both world-class racing and live music, fans enjoy an unforgettable afternoon (and night out) at exceptional value. The experience is further enhanced by a diverse range of food options, from vibrant street food offerings to Newmarket’s renowned selection of outstanding restaurants.
Tickets for KAISER CHIEFS will be on sale at 10am on Friday 30th January via thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket, priced starting from £36. There will be a presale at 10am on Thursday 29th January for those on the Newmarket Racecourses mailing list, register here.
Tickets for all shows in the Newmarket Nights season are now on sale.
2026 Newmarket Nights Season
Friday 19th June – FIVE
The iconic British boyband comprised of Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Sean Conlon, Abz Love and J Brown are one of the UK’s most beloved pop acts. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1990s, they scored multiple UK and international hits – including “Keep On Movin” and “Everybody Get Up” – and sold millions of records worldwide during their original run. The lineup reunited for the first time in over two decades last year for a huge arena tour, including 3 sold-out shows at London’s The O2.
Friday 26th June – BASEMENT JAXX
Basement Jaxx are the innovative British electronic music duo behind some of the most influential dance-punk and house tracks of the last three decades. Known for singles including “Red Alert,” “Romeo,” “Do Your Thing” and “Where’s Your Head At,” their debut album Remedy helped define late-90s house music and introduced genre-bending energy to a global audience. They continue to deliver dynamic full live band shows, including having headlined both the Pyramid Stage and the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival, that blend electronic, funk, soul and pop in unforgettable performances.
Friday 17th July – MADNESS
Madness’s energetic blend of ska, pop and reggae had made them one of the UK’s defining bands. With a rich catalogue of classics including “Our House,” “Baggy Trousers,” “It Must Be Love” and “House of Fun,” the band have amassed more than three decades of chart success, with 12 UK Top 10 albums and numerous singles that remain staples of British music culture. In recent years, they released a career-spanning hits compilation Hit Parade, hit UK No.1 with studio album Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est la Vie, and continue to perform live to thousands of fans, bringing their spirited shows to arenas and outdoor festivals across the UK.
Friday 31st July – AITCH
The 26-year-old Mancunian rapper has rapidly risen from his YouTube beginnings to become one of the UK’s most successful contemporary hip-hop artists. A BRIT Award winner for Best Hip-Hop, Grime and Rap Act, Aitch is a platinum-selling artist with 9 UK Top 10 singles and 4 Top 10 albums. His sharp lyricism, chart-dominating collaborations and crossover appeal have cemented his place at the forefront of British rap. A firm fan favourite, he recently finished fourth in the 25th series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
Friday 7th August – JESSIE J
Jessie J first rose to global prominence with chart-topping hits such as “Price Tag,” “Bang Bang” and “Domino”. With multiple number one singles, she is celebrated for her powerhouse vocals, dynamic live performances and her role as a coach on The Voice. In 2025, she released her sixth studio album Don’t Tease Me With a Good Time, her first full-length project in nearly eight years, showcasing deeply personal songwriting and marking a powerful new chapter in her artistic evolution.
Friday 14th August – CRAIG DAVID’S TS5
26 years since the critically acclaimed album, Born To Do It changed his life, Craig David has clocked up an astounding 26 UK top 40 singles, 11 UK top 40 albums and over 5 billion streams worldwide, achieving multi-platinum status in more than 20 countries around the world. With two UK Number 1 albums under his belt, he has also received multiple BRIT Award and Grammy nominations. Alongside his solo catalogue, Craig created TS5 – a world-renowned DJ and party brand blending UK garage, house and R&B – which has played major festivals and club residencies worldwide, becoming a defining live experience in its own right.
Saturday 22nd August – KAISER CHIEFS – Summer Saturday Live
Formed in Leeds in 2000, Kaiser Chiefs are one of the leading bands of their generation. Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson with Simon Rix on bass, Andrew ‘Whitey’ White on guitar, Nick ‘Peanut’ Baines on keyboards and drummer Vijay Mistry, the band have had a string of anthemic hits such as “Oh My God,” “I Predict A Riot,” “Everyday I Love You Less and Less,” “Never Miss A Beat” and “Hole In My Soul”.
The band have released 8 original studio albums which includes their Mercury nominated debut, Employment which sold over 2 million copies, its number 1 follow up, Yours Truly, Angry Mob, which went twice-platinum in the UK alone and Education Education Education and War which entered the UK Album Charts at number 1. They have achieved, top ten singles including the infamous number 1 hit “Ruby,” 3 Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello award for Album of the Year, toured with U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day and sold 8 million albums.
ABOUT NEWMARKET RACECOURSES
Newmarket’s two magical racecourses, the Rowley Mile and the July Course, together form the greatest venue in the East of England. Hosting exhilarating world class Flat racing, pulsating music nights, great value family days, award-winning restaurants and exceptional conferences, in 2016 Newmarket Racecourses proudly celebrated 350 years of extraordinary royal patronage.
Newmarket Racecourses are part of The Jockey Club which stages thrilling sporting occasions including the Randox Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Cazoo Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences on offer through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny made goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 and today is the largest commercial group in Britain’s second-biggest spectator sport (2018 turnover: £214.6 million), operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and the charity, Racing Welfare. For more information visit thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Image sources:
- KC_HANDPRINT_1: Newmarket Racecourses
by Editor | Jan 6, 2026 | Music
Guitarist Afel Bocoum hails from the Timbuktu region of Mali, where the Niger River meets the Sahara. An apprentice and colleague to the late, great desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré for over thirty years, Afel has taken on the mantel as the guardian of Ali’s musical soul. It’s a music deeply rooted in Songhai traditions, while adding influences from the music of the Tuareg from the north and the Fulbe from the east and west, as well as the long shadow of bluesman John Lee Hooker.
The first single from Afel’s upcoming album ‘Harber’ will be released in January, and he comes to The Apex fresh from his gig at Glasgow’s famous Celtic Connections Festival.
Bocoum became a member of Ali Farka Touré’s band ASCO at the age of just 13 in 1968 – a membership he’d keep until Ali’s death in 2006. He created his own band Alkibar in the 1980s and forged ahead with his solo career, spanning five successful albums and making long-term creative partnerships with Damon Albarn, Africa Express and Béla Fleck.
“Afel is such a wonderful artist. I love everything he’s done.” – Damon Albarn
Bocoum has established himself as a pivotal figure in traditional Malian music, preserving the region’s profound musical storytelling and an ambassador for endangered instruments like the njurkel lute and njarka fiddle.
Bocoum’s new trio strips music to its core — bringing the soulful sounds of the Saharan wind and the flow of the Niger River to life, with voice, strings and rhythm. Bocoum is joined by Ali Bounaly Traoré, a Songhoy guitarist from Bocoum’s hometown of Niafunké, who brings fresh energy and deep-rooted knowledge to his solo guitar, and Mahalmadane Bountel Traoré, a seasoned Songhoy musician who anchors the rhythm with calabash and percussion.
This performance promises an authentic journey into the heart of Malian musical tradition, showcasing Bocoum’s commitment to storytelling and cultural preservation and a rare opportunity to experience these instruments brought to life by a true master.
Afel Bocoum is at The Apex on Wednesday 21st January at 7.30pm. See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more details and to book tickets.
by Editor | Jan 6, 2026 | Theatre
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
THE MARLOWE SOCIETY
WED 21 – SAT 24 JAN 2026
Cambridge University’s most prestigious theatre company The Marlowe Society return to
The Arts Theatre with a brand-new retelling of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth
Night.
Love, deception, gender and mistaken identity descend into chaos as Viola disguises
herself as a man called Cesario. In the land of Illyria she starts working for Duke Orsina,
falling in love with him in the process.
Founded in 1907, The Marlowe Society is one of Cambridge University’s oldest drama
societies and has launched the careers of some of Britain’s greatest actors. Previous
members include Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, James Norton and Rachel Weisz. The
Marlowe Society perform annually at The Arts Theatre Cambridge; recent productions
include Romeo and Juliet (2024), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2023) and Othello (2020).
Twelfth Night is directed by Michael Oakley, whose most recent directorial credits include
Playhouse Creatures by April De Angelis (Orange Tree Theatre/UK Tour), Infamous by April
De Angelis (Jermyn Street Theatre) and The Third Man with Book & Lyrics by Don Black and
Christopher Hampton, and music by George Fenton (Menier Chocolate Factory)
Venue: The Arts Theatre Cambridge, 6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ
Dates: Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 January 2026
Performance schedule and ticket price:
Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Post-show talk: Thu, 7.30pm
Tickets from £20.50
Student tickets £15
Box Office: 01223 503333 / www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
