Review: Miss Nightingale earns her wings

Miss Nightingale begins in a London cabaret club in the 1940s during the Second World War and follows the struggles of the gorgeous, flirty northern singer Maggie and her songwriter George. Both want to find their big break, but while she longs for the glitz and glamour of the stage, a dark secret threatens their happiness.

Meanwhile wealthy aristocrat Sir Frank comes along and transforms Maggie into “Miss Nightingale.” Her outrageous costumes and saucy songs create a scandalous new West End Star. However a blossoming romance between George and Sir Frank threatens to ruin everything in a time when being gay was both illegal and seen as being very unpatriotic.

This captivating love story is brilliantly moving and hugely entertaining. The title role of Maggie/Miss Nightingale is played by Clara Darcy, an extremely talented performer. She is joined on stage by Nicholas Coutu-Langmead as Sir Frank, Conor O’Kane as George, Christopher Hogben as Tom, Matthew Bugg as Harry and Tobias Oliver as the stage manager and waiter. The show is directed by Karen Simpson.

This great evening out will make you laugh with delight while being brave and incredibly moving. It is well written, the cast are talented and the music is brilliant.

Miss Nightingale is running at the Buxton Opera House until Saturday 20th February. Go along and see it!