Ntombizodwa Ndlovu makes a dazzling West End debut in Marie and Rosettathe acclaimed play celebrating gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her musical partner Marie Knight.
Following sold-out runs at the Rose Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre, George Brant’s powerful story arrives at @sohoplace, directed by Monique Touko and starring Olivier Award-winner Beverley Knight alongside Ndlovu.
Marie and Rosetta runs at @sohoplace from 28 February to 11 April 2026. Tickets are available here.
 
 
 
 
You’re starring in Marie and Rosetta at @sohoplace – what can you tell us about the show?
It’s an intimate and deeply powerful play, set in 1946 Mississippi, and it tells the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight’s first evening together as they work out their musical partnership, navigate their differences, and begin a journey that would change the course of music forever.
It’s about sisterhood, music, legacy and joy!
This production has already enjoyed success at the Rose Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre – how does it feel to bring it to the West End?
Bringing it to the West End is so special. The response at Rose and Chichester was so generous, and this feels like a celebration of that journey.
There’s something really meaningful about these women’s stories being told on such a big platform. It’s surreal and deeply affirming.
Marie Knight is such an iconic figure in music history – how did you prepare to portray her on stage?
I did a lot of research. I listened to her music, watched documentaries, and read about her and the world she lived in.
I had The Gospel Truth Live album, which she recorded in 2007 aged 89, on repeat — especially her spoken messages.
 
 
 
 
The show features incredible gospel and rock ’n’ roll hits – do you have a favourite moment or song to perform?
One of my favourite moments in the play is when Marie and Sister Rosetta come together musically for the first time and sing Didn’t It Rain.
It’s the first time we get a taste of what they can be together, and where Marie begins to step into her groove.
This is your West End debut – what has the experience been like so far?
I feel incredibly grateful to be making my West End debut with a show that means so much to me.
I’ve had my challenges, but overall it’s been an empowering and joyful experience so far, and it’s wonderful to be surrounded by such a supportive creative team.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Marie and Rosetta?
What you waiting for?
