SOUTH COAST THEATRE presents “Keep Your Sunny Side Up!” - The Gracie Fields Story by David Hampshire.
In the mid-1930’s Gracie Fields (1898-1979) was Britain’s most successful variety artist who at the height of her fame was the highest earning female performer in the world. A ‘superstar’ before the word had even been invented Gracie Field’s songs such as ‘Sally’, ‘Sing As We Go’, ‘The Isle of Capri’ ‘The Biggest Aspidistra In The World’ and ‘Wish Me Luck (As You Wave Me Goodbye)’ instilled themselves in the national consciousness and many are still fondly remembered today.
Perhaps not so well known however is Gracie’s connection to the local area as for over thirty years she lived happily in Peacehaven where she established and self-funded an orphanage for the children of impoverished variety artists.
Keep You Sunny Side Up! tells the ‘rags to riches’ story of Rochdale-born Gracie’s 75 year career recounting her tough northern upbringing, her three husbands, her life-threatening illness and the unjust way she was treated by the British press during World War Two.
Featuring fifteen songs from Gracie’s career Keep You Sunny Side Up! paints an intimate picture of a big-hearted, no-nonsense woman who made a lasting impression both on British culture and on the people she encountered in her extraordinary life.
Directed by Maurice Thorogood Musical Supervision by Moody & Moody Staging by Crissy Mullen
‘’Entertaining, enlightening and moving in equal measure, Lisa Rouselle triumphs as Gracie Fields’’ - Adrian Barry, Director, The Music Hall Guild of Great Britain.
Comments on David Hampshire’s previous play ‘Funny Turns’:
‘’A darling show’’ – Dame Joanna Lumley.
‘’A wonderful five star play; funny, touching and full of heart and truth. It’s as good as Priestly and better than Osborne. Seriously’’ – Gyles Brandreth.
‘’It’s moving and entertaining and it made me laugh and cry’ – Su Pollard.
‘’A heart-rendingly funny play and an important piece of literature. Five stars’’ – Remotegoat.
‘’A vintage piece that reflects a bygone age; delightful, funny and sad and exactly what good theatre is all about’’ – Forallevents.com
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