St Albans actress in lead role of Gypsy at Watford Palace Theatre

Madeleine Burton

Published: 3:08 PM May 10, 2012 Updated: 2:45 PM November 1, 2020

LEADING lady Fenella Lee will be getting into the role of Gypsy Rose Lee quite literally when she stars in a show based on her memoirs next week.

Fenella, who lives in St albans and is the director of Rising Stars Drama Group which has been in existence since 1998, is playing Rose in Gypsy which Watford Operatic Society is putting on at the Palace Theatre from next Monday, May 14, until Saturday, May 19.

And she will be wearing a pair of gloves that originally belonged to and were worn by Rose Hovick, on whom the show is based.

One of Fenella’s good friends, who used to be a theatrical agent, was best friends with June Hovick and was given the gloves by her some years ago.

So Fenella, who has also acted in and directed creative projects with Trestle Theatre Company in St Albans including large-scale community events, will wear a historic item for the show – something which previous Gypsy Rose Lees including Bette Middler, Ethel Merman and Patti Lupone, cannot match.

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Fenella appeared as the evil Mrs Meers last year in St Albans Operatic Society’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and as well as Rising Stars, runs storytelling and singing workshops for pre-school children locally and around the county.

She said: “I am both thrilled and terrified to be taking on such a massive role and hope people will come along to support this talented and award-winning company at the wonderful and atmospheric Watford Palace Theatre.”