Opera singer Maria Callas, who was as famous for her turbulent private life as for her singing, gave a series of masterclasses in New York in the early 70s. Playwright Terrence McNally was inspired by these to write Masterclass, a play which invites you to observe the great diva in action as she puts three aspiring singers through their paces. Witty, bitchy, grandiose, demanding and insecure, Callas reminisces on the triumphs and tragedies of her life and career now that both her voice and her personal life have fallen apart.

Masterclass won the 1996 Tony Award for Best New Play. Chichester Festival Theatre Artistic Director Jonathan Church directs this new production, which stars Stephanie Beecham, best know for her roles in Dynasty and The Colbys.