The show chronicles her life from a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, to becoming the highest-paid black entertainer of that time, to the tragic accident on Route 61 in September 1937 that ended her life aged 43 years.

Ma Bessie (Julia Titus) is joined on stage by her Blues Troupe – internationally renowned drummer Sam Kelly, with musical director Paul Jobson (piano), Tony Qunta (acoustic guitar), Marianne Windham (upright bass), Clare Hirst (sax/clarinet) and Kevin Davy (trumpet).

WHY? A narrated show featuring music from the era and showcasing many of Bessie’s songs

Courtyard Theatre
£14 (£12 conc)