BEVERLEY KNIGHT
Portraying a groundbreaking musical legend, Beverley Knight hears echoes of her own story
on why she was inspired to step into the shoes of the “godmother of rock’n’roll”
Beverley Knight springs into our interview full of energy and positive vibes. She has just arrived home from the gym, and if the singing powerhouse gives the impression that she never stops, that’s because it’s true.
This year alone, she has released a single, Never Say Never, with Billy Porter – with whom she also co-hosted the Olivier Awards in London in April – and is set to star in a new play, Marie and Rosetta, which tells the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the “godmother of rock’n’roll”, who influenced the likes of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.
Beverley portrays Rosetta, who changed the face of gospel music but was criticised by straitlaced churchgoers for performing her racy rhythm and blues in nightclubs.
The play focuses on her burgeoning friendship with young singer Marie – played by Ntombizodwa Ndlovu – whom she must persuade to join her on tour to change music for ever.
The show marks a straight drama debut for the Olivier-winning star of the West End stage, who has extensive experience in musical theatre, has won three Mobo Awards and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to British music and charity.
Of course, there is plenty of singing in the new show. As Beverley, 52, quips: “You can’t have a musical icon like that and not have her sing!”
Here, the warm and funny star tells ! about her stellar 31-year career, her joy at celebrating her 13th wedding anniversary with her husband, production technician James O’Keefe, and what it was like to perform for royalty.
Congratulations on Marie and Rosetta, What can you tell us about it? Beverley.
“It’s what we call a two-hander. There’s myself and the lovely Zodwa, who plays Marie.
“It’s set primarily in a funeral home, where Marie and Rosetta would rehearse, and it’s a conversation that happens over the course of their relationship, working out how they’re going to work together.”
With just two of you on stage, is there pressure?
“It’s a lot more pressured; your level of performance and detail and nuance must be on point, and that’s what excites me the most. The stakes are higher, which means it’s time to roll up the sleeves and show some acting chops.
“That’s how you hone your craft and get better, and ultimately that’s what I’m interested in. It’s a big part of why I wanted to take this role. Doing a play is really what I wanted to do.”
“Very much so. She was a woman who just wanted to tread her own path when it came to music. She was raised in gospel music, where artists didn’t cross over into the secular world, but that’s what she wanted to do.
“In the tiniest way, I can understand that feeling of wanting to play your own music but folk around you not really understanding it, and getting a bit of backlash for it.
“That happened to me on my fourth album, Affirmation, because it was a change of direction. That’s something that happens to artists; you change your sound a little bit and people lose their minds.
“She was doing it at a time when she could have lost everything, but she just kept going. I admire her strength and tenacity and that she was fearless.”
Was secular music frowned on in your childhood?
“If you speak to anybody who was raised in the evangelical way of being a Christian, they will tell you that they really do not encourage listening to secular music. But Mum and Dad had a radio in their room, so I would just nick it and listen to what I wanted to anyway.
“The prevailing thought was that it would be a corrupting influence. I wasn’t interested in that; I just wanted to listen to great music.”
“There’s always a crew of people I turn to and hopefully they’ll be around to see the show. Lovely folk like Golda Rosheuvel from Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte, [Ted Lasso star] Sarah Niles, [retired Olympians] Dame Kelly Holmes and Dame Denise Lewis, the lovely broadcaster Brenda Emmanus, lovely [singers] Louise Redknapp and Pixie Lott, Marvin and Rochelle Humes…
“There are a lot of people where it would be nice for them to see the show. I appreciate them; they’re good mates and they turn up for me.”
Has your husband James been on hand to help?
“While we were on holiday, we recorded a readthrough so that I could get into the metre and pattern of the piece, which was great.
“He will be there to help me all the way through the rehearsal process, because that’s what he’s like. He’s a great and wonderful husband.”
It’s your 13th wedding anniversary this year. Have you made plans to celebrate?
“No, because this year is James’s 50th. That’s the important thing for me. That’s the big deal. He’s here, so I can’t say [what the plans are], but yes, I do have big plans. Exciting!”
You were asked to sing at the Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas carol service in 2023. What was it like to perform for royalty?
“If you’re asked to do something by the royal family, you’re on their radar, which is very special.
“It was beautiful. I remember going up the steps at Westminster Abbey to start the song in a pair of seriously high heels. Under my breath, which you don’t hear, I was like: ‘Adam [Lambert, Queen’s lead singer], help me with the stairs. Don’t drop me because I will die of shame!’
“But seeing how happy and pleased [the royal family] were, I thought: ‘My job is done.’”
Which achievement in your stellar career are you most proud of?
“This year marks 31 years in entertainment and music. That’s massive. How the blinking hell did that happen? I couldn’t be more proud.”