Review: MARIE & ROSETTA, Rose Theatre Kingston - Tour

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

George Brant’s imagined relationship between two black, female American rock ‘n’ roll powerhouses is a curious play (with plenty of music) in that, while it is an enjoyable watch, there is no real narrative throughout.

We are introduced to Rosetta Tharpe (played by Beverley Knight) and Marie Knight (Ntombizodwa Ndlovu) as they are first introduced to one another. Rosetta is outgoing, brash and confident, while Marie comes across as a meeker, quieter soul.

As the two women converse in a church, the venue for their first gig together, the layers begin to peel back. Despite Rosetta’s fame and success - she is an idol to none other than Elvis Presley - she has suffered in several abusive relationships.

Marie, meanwhile, has a more stable home life but is evidently looking for an excuse to spread her wings. The meeting between the pair could not be more mutually beneficial.

Come to see Marie & Rosetta and, in most instances, you are paying to hear Knight’s astounding vocal range and ability. She does not disappoint and, while Tharpe’s music does not give her the space to hit the same heights as in Sister Act or Sylvia, she is a complete joy to listen to.

Ndlovu is just as captivating when she starts to sing, performing alongside a piano that isn’t really there. Her performance matches Knight and when the pair combine, there is electricity in the auditorium.

But, ultimately, while Marie & Rosetta is a touching, sometimes even thrilling, insight into this pair’s relationship and bringing their work to a modern-day audience, the play is hamstrung by a lack of urgency and direction.

The stakes are low and, as the show enters its second hour, the audience is baying for some sort of conflict or jeopardy to be overcome. It never really comes.

The ending is a little contrived and, while it does give us more of a reason to care, the whole piece feels a little bit theatre-by-numbers. The performers and the story of Marie and Rosetta’s friendship feels vital enough to be worth more than this.

However, Knight and Ndlovu are so mesmerising in their portrayals that, despite its shortcomings, this is a play worth the journey to Kingston’s Rose Theatre and beyond, as it embarks on a short tour over the coming months.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Tom Ambrose

Marie & Rosetta plays at the Rose Theatre until 24 May, with further information here.