Review
Review
Review: Marie and Rosetta
Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu dazzle as the acclaimed two-hander moves to @sohoplace
Many artists have been credited with ‘inventing’ modern music. Elvis, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly – all have a claim, and all have the enduring fame to match. But Marie and Rosetta shines a light on the voices that music history did not remember – or conveniently chose to forget.
Following a celebrated UK premiere at the Rose Theatre, Marie and Rosetta has landed in London’s @sohoplace, and transported it into a 40s funeral home. A fluffy teal carpet, peach drapery and a huge, illuminated cross set the unlikely scene for a musical revolution. In this space, rock and roll visionary Rosetta Tharpe convenes with her new, younger singing partner, the classically trained Marie Knight. Tharpe needs to win back the approval of her Christian audience – Knight needs to provide for her young family. More simply, they need each other.
Ntombizodwa Ndlovu is excellent as the demure, churchgoing Marie, who doesn’t bash her Bible so much as passive-aggressively drum on its cover. She’s titillated, scandalised and awed by Rosetta, who is determined to put a bit of swing in Marie’s hips. In turn, Marie wants to remind Rosetta what gospel is really about. The music wins out over religion – although with the indomitable Beverly Knight at the helm, every note is a spiritual experience. It’s difficult to imagine a real-life Rosetta more magnetic, electric and endearing as Knight’s version.
Undeniable too in Knight’s performance are the artists that Rosetta will come to influence – Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and many, many others. The play’s final scene reminds us that Rosetta’s memory will not be treated with the same respect. But whilst the conclusion is sobering, the journey that Monique Touko takes us on heavenly. The show’s stirring, soulful score – and Knight and Ndolvu’s pitch perfect interplay – can’t help but inspire joy.
And of course, to sweeten a bitter ending, Rosetta’s story is no longer untold. A sombre exit from the theatre it might be, but a glance up at the posters that decorate @sohoplace softens the blow. History is full of forgotten revolutionaries, but their stories can be excavated – and set to a swinging gospel score to boot.
Marie and Rosetta is playing at @sohoplace until 11 April – find your tickets here
