Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Chichester Festival Theatre, in association with Nica Burns, have announced the West End premiere of Marie and Rosetta, written by George Brant.
The critically acclaimed production, originally staged by Rose Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and ETT, will run at @sohoplace from 28 February to 11 April 2026, with press night on Friday 6 March at 7.30pm.
Multi-award-winning singer and actress Beverley Knight reprises her role as Rosetta Tharpe, alongside Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Marie Knight, making her West End debut.
Beverley Knight said,
“Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her legacy had long been overlooked in music history. She deserves her place as one of the architects of rock ‘n’ roll, a Gospel singing, guitar shredding heroine who helped to shape popular music as we know it today. I’m so proud that we get to tell her story and that of her co collaborator Marie Knight played by the incredibly talented Ntombizodwa Ndlovu who makes her debut in the West End. She is a star in the making!”
Directed by Monique Touko, Marie and Rosetta is a sparkling, intimate portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her beloved singing partner Marie Knight. The production celebrates their revolutionary impact on music history.
Set in Mississippi, 1946, the story follows Rosetta as she persuades the saintly Marie to join her on a tour of the segregated southern States, transforming Marie’s pure Sunday sound into something with a little more swing.
The show features a wealth of joyous rock and gospel hits including Didn’t It Rain and Peace in the Valley, performed live by musicians accompanying Beverley Knight.
Ntombizodwa Ndlovu’s recent theatre credits include Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Space Between Us, Mixtape, Nothing, and The Mountain Top (Royal Exchange Theatre).
Joining Monique Touko on the creative team are Jodie-Simone Howe (Costume Designer), Kloé Dean (Movement Director), Tony Gayle (Sound Designer), Bethan Clark (Intimacy Director), Joel Trill (Voice & Dialect Coach), Jordi M. Carter (Associate Director), and Shirley Teteh (Musical Director and Guitar).
Jonathan Church said,
“As the lights went down on the Rose Theatre’s premiere of this extraordinary show in Kingston, I witnessed something incredibly special. A show that delivered the joyous, celebratory quality of a musical alongside the depth of characterisation and detail of a great play. A unique and dazzling experience.
To be part of bringing Monique Touko’s exquisite production to the equally exquisite @sohoplace is a match made in heaven. I look forward to the sparks flying!”
Nica Burns added,
“Two amazing actresses with spine tingling voices close up in the intimate auditorium of @sohoplace! Singing some of the greatest rock and roll songs, Beverley Knight and newcomer Ntombizodwa Ndolovu will give us performances to remember as their voices soar and thrill. Brilliant on their own and sensational together. It is only a 7 week season so book speedily as you really do not want to miss out.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
