Review: Marie & Rosetta at the Wolverhampton Grand

★★★★★

Written by George Brant, directed by Monique Touko, and starring Wolverhampton's own, Beverley Knight, Marie & Rosetta is an intimate portrayal of the Godmother of rock ‘n’ roll, Rosetta Tharpe, and her beloved singing partner Marie Knight; shining a dazzling spotlight on this often-forgotten yet revolutionary duo from music history and Black history.

Set in Mississippi, 1946, the production explores the professional and personal relationship between Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight. Rosetta had already changed the face of gospel music with her swinging hips and electric guitar-playing style which would later inspire and influence musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, and Jimi Hendrix. In doing so though, she had been shunned by the straitlaced church community for performing in nightclubs and glorying in rhythm and blues.

When she hears Marie Knight sing back-up for Mahalia Jackson, Rosetta recognises something special in her voice, and persuades the innocent and saintly singer to join her on a tour of the segregated southern States. This play not only provides an insight into the relationship between these two trailblazing women who shaped the music we know and love today, but also provides a sharp snapshot of 1940s/50s America and the history of segregation and racism that were an inseparable part of their careers.

Sixty-eight years after Rosetta Tharpe herself performed at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall, the icon and her music are back in the city, played by home-grown talent, Beverley Knight (The Bodyguard, Sylvia, Sister Act).

Beverley’s rich and fiery vocals embody the powerhouse of Sister Rosetta Tharpe (yes the very same Rosetta name-checked by Beyoncé in 'Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)’) alongside Ntombizodwa Ndlovu (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Space Between Us) who brings Tharpe’s singing partner, Marie Knight to life with soulfully deep and touching vocals.

Packed full of rock and gospel hits including Didn’t It Rain, Peace in the Valley, Strange Things Are Happening Everyday, and Rock Me, the show features an accompaniment of live musicians (Guitar and Musical Director, Shirley Tetteh; Piano, Mia Odeleye; Drums, Ishara Andrews; Double Bass, Genevieve Namazzi; Orchestral Manager, Oroh Angiama for Knoetics) that take the audience to church.

The memory and legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight are safe in the hands of Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu in Marie & Rosetta; a duo with such great harmony, playing off one another’s humour and incredible vocals in this play of friendship, mentorship, strife, and connection.

An emotional tribute to the significance of Marie & Rosetta, this production is a swinging, rocking show full of soul and inspiration.

Marie & Rosetta plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 27th May until Saturday 31st May 2025. Running time: approx: 1 hour 40 minutes (no interval). An ETT Rose Theatre, and Chichester Festival Theatre production, the show also plays at Chichester Festival Theatre 25th & 26th July 2025.