POPULAR actress Maureen Lipman stars as Florence Foster Jenkins, "the worst singer in the world", in the opening production of Birmingham Repertory Theatre's autumn season.

Glorious!, a new play by Peter Quilter, is the true story of an eccentric American "somewhat delusional singer" who, during the 1930s and 40s, made a career out of performing concerts even though she couldn't hit a single note.

A spokesperson said: "Known as "the first lady of the sliding scale", Florence warbled and screeched her way through concerts to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter."

The "heart-warming comedy" charts Florence's "career" from charity recitals, balls, to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate concert at Carnegie Hall.

Maureen Lipman (pictured right) has had an extensive stage career including her hugely successful one-woman show, Re-Joyce, about comedian Joyce Grenfell, and as infamous literary agent Peggy Ramsay in Alan Plater's Peggy For You, as well as appearances in Oklahoma! and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

She is also a best-selling novelist.

Directed by Alan Strachan, the comedy receives its world premiere at Birmingham Rep from September 2-17, followed by a regional tour before opening in London.

Performances are at 7.30pm (except September 6, which starts at 7pm) with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Tickets, priced £12-24.50, are available from 0121 236 4455 or www.birmingham-rep.co.uk