Portsmouth's musical comedy stars Flo and Joan are named as New Theatre Royal's newest patrons

A SISTER act from Portsmouth who have been making waves in the world of comedy have become the newest patrons of the city’s New Theatre Royal.
Chris Broom
By Chris Broom
Published 12th Dec 2022, 22:49 BST
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Rosie and Nicola Dempsey, who perform as Flo & Joan, have headlined and played to sold-out audiences across the UK, North America and Australia, and their hour-long special, Alive on Stage is streaming in more than 200 countries on Amazon Prime.

Born and raised in Portsmouth, the sisters first rose to fame when their satirical song The 2016 Song went viral. Since then, they have gone on to have a high-profile career winning numerous awards and racking up television appearances on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, Question Team and The Russell Howard Hour.

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They have also written songs for the West End musical Death Drop and written and performed songs for television shows, including Horrible Histories, Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central, and BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show and Woman’s Hour.

Flo and Joan, aka Rosie and Nicola Dempsey from Portsmouth, have been named as patrons of the city's New Theatre RoyalFlo and Joan, aka Rosie and Nicola Dempsey from Portsmouth, have been named as patrons of the city's New Theatre Royal
Flo and Joan, aka Rosie and Nicola Dempsey from Portsmouth, have been named as patrons of the city's New Theatre Royal

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Originally from Cosham, the Dempsey sisters discovered their love of music and performance from a young age, having first walked through the doors of New Theatre Royal during their time in local youth theatre.

The talented duo returned to the historic theatre back in February with their twice-extended 140-date tour of Sweet Release, which also played at the Melbourne Comedy Festival as well as being one of the top 20 best-reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Nicola said: ‘It’s been an honour to bring our Sweet Release tour to the amazing New Theatre Royal, and we are thrilled to be patrons of this iconic theatre, right in the heart of our home city.’

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Rosie added: ‘We are excited to be able to support the work of New Theatre Royal and its eclectic programme of performances.’

Head of marketing at the Guildhall Walk theatre, Andy Sheppard said: ‘We are so proud to welcome Flo & Joan as our newest patrons and we are excited to help foster their personal link to the theatre and the Portsmouth area. We are sure they will help inspire future artistic talent in our community.’

Related topics:PortsmouthAustralia