THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE

This Olivier award winning play written by Jim Cartwright and adapted into a film in 1998 opened at the Blackwood Little Theatre, an unknown and challenging play for this dedicated team. 

In the original film Jane Horrocks played LV to world acclaim, Brenda Blethyn, the Mother Mari, and Michael Caine Ray Say, who won a Golden Globe for his role and no wonder, he gave the depths of emotional excellence for this role.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice the play is without doubt an uneasy experience as witnessing cruelty is unsettling for an audience, though offset  by some  incredible comedy, and  what a play it was, brilliantly acted and directed. 

Outstanding Anya O’ Callaghan gave the most moving and riveting performance of LV. Neglected and innocent we watch this young girl almost imprisoned in her bedroom with the memory of her Father and his idols of the era. She created high anticipation until her final successful performance as all the greatest singers Piaf, Bassey, Monroe, Garland and others, she has collected in her mind, are released for a one time only performance. She is then rescued by her Knight, talented Rhydian Edbow as Billy, who timed his excellent restrained acting to perfection we could feel his every emotion and intense compassion for LV. 

The whole cast brought us so many facets with intense and gritty raw reality. Very skilful, and fine performances from all the actors, and in every aspect from Louise Elliott as the heartless, sadistic Mari who made this part her own. The stark realisation that her world is crumbling around her was a highlight as she moved through her tragedy unfolding. Supported by the exceptional performances from Rob Murphy as Ray the lover and  Steve Dobson as Mr Boo the Promoter who both lit up the stage and the bitter sweet comedy from Shelley Bethan Morgan as Sadie, showing how then, this behaviour was laughed at, forbidden now in our world, a very good characterisation of this friend of Mari, well done.

 We finally see in the last poignant scene a future of hope for LV.

DISCLAIMER This Review is the sole opinion of the Author

 

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