"The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" is a play that has firmly etched itself into the annals of British theatre, and seeing it performed at The Lowry in Salford feels particularly fitting. This northern city, close to where playwright Jim Cartwright was born, provides an ideal backdrop for this gritty, yet poignant tale. The play, which was first performed in 1992 and later adapted into a film starring Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine, and Brenda Blethyn, continues to resonate with audiences today, bringing the struggles and triumphs of its characters to life on stage.
The narrative follows the journey of Laura Hoff, known as Little Voice or LV (played by Christina Bianco), a shy and reclusive young woman who finds solace in her late father’s record collection. The story unfolds in a rundown northern town, where LV’s overbearing mother, Mari (Shobna Gulati), spends her days drinking and chasing after men, notably the sleazy talent agent Ray Say (Ian Kelsey). Ray discovers LV’s extraordinary ability to mimic the voices of legendary singers like Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Shirley Bassey, and sees in her his ticket to fame. As the title suggests, the play explores both the meteoric rise and inevitable fall of LV’s brief moment in the spotlight, revealing deep-seated insecurities and the often harsh reality of unfulfilled dreams.
The set, designed by Sara Perks, is a triumph, capturing the essence of a northern working-class home. The two-up-two-down terraced house is portrayed with a missing front wall, exposing the chaos within, much like the exposed lives of its inhabitants. The clever use of lighting, particularly the flickering and failing household electrics, not only sets the mood but also serves as a metaphor for the unstable lives of the characters. Mr. Boo’s nightclub, where LV’s talent is showcased, is adorned with a sparkly curtain that perfectly encapsulates the seedy glamour of a working man’s club. The costumes are spot-on, with Mari’s gaudy outfits reflecting her desperate attempts to cling to youth and attract male attention, while LV’s modest attire highlights her withdrawn nature.
Christina Bianco as LV is the heart and soul of this production. Her portrayal of the timid, emotionally scarred young woman is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Bianco’s ability to switch from a whispering, almost invisible presence to a powerhouse vocalist channelling the likes of Garland and Bassey is nothing short of astonishing. Shobna Gulati’s Mari is a study in contrasts; she is loud, brash, and often vulgar, yet Gulati brings a layer of vulnerability to the role that elicits both laughter and sympathy from the audience. Ian Kelsey’s Ray Say is perfectly sleazy, walking the fine line between charming and predatory, making his eventual downfall both satisfying and tragic. Fiona Mulvaney as Sadie adds much-needed comic relief, her character’s simplicity and warmth providing a counterbalance to the otherwise dark narrative.
"The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" is a production that does justice to Jim Cartwright’s iconic play. It captures the bleakness of life in a struggling northern town while also celebrating the extraordinary talent and resilience that can emerge from the most unlikely places. While the story is tinged with sadness and missed opportunities, it is also filled with humour, heart, and moments of sheer brilliance, particularly in Bianco’s show-stopping performances. This is a must-see for anyone who appreciates finely crafted theatre that speaks to both the head and the heart, this production earns a well-deserved four stars.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is on at The Lowry until Saturday 11th June 2022, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you would like more information about the show and see where it will be touring to please click the button below for the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Pamela Raith
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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