TALENTED soprano Barbara Steel takes on a gloriously hilarious role in the latest offering by Moulton Drama Group.

Barbara will be playing the role of Florence Foster Jenkins, who is regarded as one of the worst singers of all time.

Florence was an American amateur operatic soprano, and died in 1944 at the age of 76.

She was ridiculed for her lack of musical ability, but was convinced of her greatness and her recitals became popular because of the amusement they offered.

Her story is told in Glorious!, a comedy by Peter Quilter being performed by the drama group at Moulton Village Hall next month.

The role of Florence was played by Maureen Lipman when it was performed in the West End in 2005, and the play was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award as best new comedy.

Florence is played by Barbara Steel in the village hall production, which runs from May 5 to 9 at 7.30pm.

“Barbara, is, in fact, a spectacularly good soprano, who can be heard in Knutsford Musical Theatre’s production of Showstoppers at Hartford,” said Annie Makepeace, who is part of the six-strong cast for Glorious!

“However she contrives to sound like Florence for us, and the results are hilarious.

“Florence was proud to say ‘There are those who say I cannot sing, but no-one can say I did not sing’.

“Florence was inspirational in her self-belief and determination, and the play is well worth a visit.”

Annie is playing the part of Dorothy, Florence’s best friend and secretary.

The other roles are played by Peter Burkey as Florence’s boyfriend Sinclair, Lynn Slinger as Maria the Spanish maid, Richard Stanley as pianist Cosme McMoon and Ailsa Booth as Mrs Johnson, ‘the voice of reason’.

The play is being directed by Sheila Hetherington, and tickets for the show are available by calling 594178 or online from danarts.org/events.

Tickets for the Monday and Tuesday shows are £6.50, and £7.50 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Showstoppers is being staged at The Grange Theatre from May 22 to 24.