Beverley Knight Steps back into the Spotlight: MARIE AND ROSETTA Makes Its UK Premiere

Picture this: a gospel hall in the midst of the American South, with the electrifying sound of a guitar echoing off wooden pews and the irresistible rhythm of a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer stirring the souls of those lucky enough to be in attendance. Now fast forward to 2025, and the spirit of that very musical revolutionary—Sister Rosetta Tharpe—is about to hit British stages in a new production that promises to captivate theatre lovers across the UK. MARIE AND ROSETTA, penned by George Brant, will have its long-awaited UK premiere at the Rose Theatre this spring before transferring to Chichester Festival Theatre. Telling the remarkable story of Tharpe and her protégé Marie Knight, this show is poised to be a moving tribute to the Godmother of rock ‘n’ roll, brought to life by the powerhouse vocals of Beverley Knight in her professional play debut.

An Iconic Talent Makes a Theatrical Shift

If you’ve ever been swept away by the soulful, spine-tingling performances of Beverley Knight, you might have imagined her gliding effortlessly between contemporary music and theatrical roles. In the world of West End musicals, Knight has dazzled in shows like THE BODYGUARD and MEMPHIS, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. Now, she’s taking on her first professional play—and what a role it is. She will star as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a performer who, much like herself, had a knack for breaking boundaries and winning hearts in equal measure.

For Knight, the production represents an opportunity to merge two passions: acting and singing. Though she has performed in musical theatre, this marks the first time she’ll focus on a play-driven narrative. MARIE AND ROSETTA features music woven into a dramatic context, perfectly aligned with Tharpe’s unique blend of gospel, blues, and early rock ‘n’ roll. Knight has described it as an honour to portray a figure she considers “one of the unsung architects of rock ‘n’ roll,” citing Tharpe’s immense influence on legends like Chuck Berry, Ike Turner, and Elvis Presley. Suffice it to say, Knight’s portrayal is bound to set the stage ablaze.

Celebrating the Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Although names like Elvis Presley are often hailed as the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was arguably shaking up the music scene decades before. Born in 1915, Tharpe grew up surrounded by gospel music, using the church as a launching pad for a style that blended spiritual fervour with a daring new sound. Playing her electric guitar with flair, her voice soared in songs like Up Above My Head and Didn’t It Rain, long before mainstream audiences realised they were witnessing the rise of a genre that would dominate popular culture for generations.

Yet for all her achievements—performing at the famous Cotton Club, collaborating with jazz icons, and shaping the sound that would become rock—Tharpe’s story has often been overlooked in mainstream histories. That’s precisely why MARIE AND ROSETTA is such an exciting proposition: it resurrects Tharpe’s legacy, placing her centre stage alongside her talented protégé Marie Knight. By exploring their bond, the production delves into the tight-knit community that nurtured Tharpe’s revolutionary spirit—and the cultural forces that shaped her music.

A Play with Music That Packs a Punch

Although billed as a play, MARIE AND ROSETTA is anything but conventional drama. George Brant’s script takes us behind the scenes of gospel tours and late-night rehearsal halls, where Tharpe and Knight fuse their musical abilities and personal struggles into powerhouse performances. It’s not just about hearing the songs; it’s about understanding the stories behind them—the heartbreak, the hope, and the unwavering faith that propelled Tharpe’s career forward.

In many ways, that combination of story and sound is reminiscent of a musical documentary. You won’t just see Tharpe and Knight on stage; you’ll feel the cultural fabric of the 1930s and 1940s—an era of profound social change in America, where African American musicians were forging new paths, sometimes against all odds. Under the direction of Monique Touko, the creative team aims to transport audiences to that time and place, inviting them to witness the intimate moments that shaped two extraordinary lives.

UK Premiere at the Rose Theatre

Kicking off from 2 May to 24 May 2025, MARIE AND ROSETTA will premiere at the Rose Theatre, a modern cultural hub known for its innovative programming and commitment to fresh, bold theatre. The venue’s intimate configuration should prove an ideal setting for a production that thrives on emotional connections and musical intimacy. When Beverley Knight steps out under the lights, guitar in hand, it’s not hard to imagine the space resonating with the same spiritual energy that Tharpe once conjured in American concert halls.

For those keen to be among the first to witness this theatrical event, priority booking for Rose Theatre members opens on 14 January, with general booking beginning on 20 January. With Knight’s involvement and the show’s historical resonance, tickets are likely to be in high demand.

A Summer Transfer to Chichester

If you can’t make it to Kingston for the initial run, fear not—MARIE AND ROSETTA heads to Chichester Festival Theatre from 25 June to 26 July 2025. A staple of British theatre, Chichester has a well-earned reputation for producing and hosting world-class dramas, revivals, and musical pieces. This run forms part of the theatre’s Festival 2025 line-up, which will be announced on 13 February, with general booking set to open on 1 March.

The transfer underscores a growing trend: audiences outside London are hungry for fresh, compelling theatrical experiences. Chichester, in particular, has long been a launch pad for productions that often make their way to the West End. While there’s no official word yet on where MARIE AND ROSETTA might go after Chichester, its subject matter and star-power cast certainly point to a life beyond a couple of limited engagements.

A Legacy in the Making

One of the most exciting aspects of MARIE AND ROSETTA is its potential to introduce a new generation of theatre-goers to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Indeed, while her peers like Mahalia Jackson and Etta James are widely celebrated, Tharpe’s contributions to the evolution of modern music are only recently receiving mainstream recognition. In 2018, for instance, Tharpe was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—an honour many felt was long overdue.

For British audiences, the show serves as a poignant reminder of the international influences that shaped rock music. Tharpe was beloved in the UK: in 1964, she played a famous gig at an abandoned railway station in Manchester, captured on film for a TV special titled Gospel Train. Even though heavy rain poured over the uncovered crowd, Tharpe refused to be deterred, playing with an energy that left onlookers mesmerised. Now, thanks to MARIE AND ROSETTA, fans can revisit that sense of awe—or discover it for the first time—with the help of Beverley Knight’s extraordinary talent.

What to Expect from the Creative Team

While the full cast remains under wraps, the involvement of Monique Touko as director has sparked a wave of anticipation. Known for championing stories that reflect diverse perspectives, Touko is likely to approach Tharpe’s story with a keen eye for both musical authenticity and cultural context. The synergy between director, leading actor, and playwright will be crucial in balancing the show’s emotional depth with its vibrant, uplifting musical numbers.

Given that MARIE AND ROSETTA is a play first and foremost, we can expect scenes that delve into Tharpe’s personal relationships, particularly her mentoring of Marie Knight. Knight herself was no slouch: a gospel singer with a staggering range, she became an essential collaborator for Tharpe. Their music soared—but so did the challenges they faced, from the racial prejudices of the time to the complexities of forging a path in a male-dominated industry. Watching these two characters confront and conquer adversity is likely to be a cornerstone of the production’s appeal.

Notes for Global Audiences

Though the show is deeply rooted in American music history, the chance to see Beverley Knight embody Sister Rosetta Tharpe will draw global attention. Fans from Australia, in particular, have historically embraced soul and gospel music, with artists touring the continent for decades to enthusiastic crowds. While MARIE AND ROSETTA doesn’t currently have an Australian run announced, it’s a prime candidate for international touring, especially if the UK premiere garners the critical and commercial success many anticipate.

Moreover, Tharpe’s influence extends far beyond the United States. Modern rock and soul found global footholds thanks to pioneering figures like her, who were unafraid to blend sacred and secular styles. It’s not far-fetched to imagine that enthusiastic theatre-lovers worldwide—Australia included—will keep a close eye on the production, hoping for the chance to see it travel or perhaps even adapt for a broader audience.

Anticipation and Excitement

The buzz around MARIE AND ROSETTA is palpable. The story of an unsung hero in music history, reimagined through the lens of a powerhouse vocalist like Beverley Knight, feels like a match made in theatrical heaven. Add to that the skill and passion of Monique Touko and the creative teams at the Rose Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, and English Touring Theatre, and you have all the ingredients for a truly special production.

Ticket sales are expected to be brisk—especially once the public realises that this is Knight’s first foray into a professional play. It’s a testament to the production’s allure that even with a partial cast list, it’s generating so much excitement. One can only imagine the atmosphere on opening night: the lights go down, the band (or bandstand, as the case may be) strikes up that unmistakable gospel-rock rhythm, and Knight’s resonant voice ushers us into the world of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

A New Chapter in Theatre History

From the vantage point of theatre enthusiasts, MARIE AND ROSETTA isn’t just a tribute to an overlooked musical genius; it’s an invitation to reflect on how art forms evolve and intersect. Gospel begat rock, rock morphed into pop, and out of that lineage emerged generations of artists who all owe a debt to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. By spotlighting her story—and her relationship with Marie Knight—the production peels back the layers of history, revealing a narrative that’s both deeply personal and surprisingly universal.

As theatre-goers gear up for the 2025 season, this show is undoubtedly high on the must-see list. Whether you’ve been a lifelong devotee of Beverley Knight’s music or simply crave a thoughtful, soulful night out, MARIE AND ROSETTA looks set to deliver. Don’t miss out on your chance to witness the making of a new chapter in theatre history, celebrating the trailblazers who set the stage—and the soundtrack—for the world we know today.

In the end, one message stands clear: Sister Rosetta Tharpe refused to let societal barriers dim her light, and by bringing her tale to the stage, Knight and company remind us that true innovation often lies just beyond the fringes of the mainstream. As you sit in the audience, allowing the voices and instruments to wash over you, you might feel her spirit echo in every chord—a gentle nudge to keep pushing boundaries, embracing change, and celebrating the unheralded legends who paved the way.