The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Originally set in deepest Lancashire and written as a showcase for the musical talent of Jane Horrocks, Little Voice has acquired a Scottish accent in the new production by Michael Harrison of Jim Cartwright’s popular play.
The version currently at the King’s Theatre brings us Elaine C. Smith in fine Glasgow patter form as she rampages her way exuberantly through the role of Mari Hoff, mother to Little Voice (Debbie Saloman in a very commendable Scottish debut). LV can sing exactly like the great female vocalists in her dead father’s record collection, but refuses to speak, repressed and overwhelmed as she is by her larger than life, good time mother.

Mari’s wardrobe deserves its own star billing, from the tip of her monstrous wedge shoes, via the glitzy leggings, past the shiny micro skirts, to the fulsome cleavage bedecked in glitter that lures in talent agent Ray Say, (Andy Gray).

Gray says of his character, “I’m an earlier, sleazier version of Simon Cowell with lower-waisted trousers” – trousers as low as his ankles at one point. He sees Little Voice as an amazing act that he can make money from – his very own LV meal ticket. Smith and Gray play raunchy to perfection, in contrast to the shy innocence of phone engineer Billy (Jim Webster-Stewart) who woos the silent LV in a slow, gentle little romance.

When Little Voice is at last persuaded to perform at Mr Boo’s Talent Nite, Debbie Saloman gives a very passable version of the big classic numbers. Peter Kelly has shades of Jack Milroy in his portrayal of club impresario Mr Boo, host of the “Talent Nites”.

Ultimately, though, it is Smith and Gray who carry the play. When Ray Say finally rejects Mari as too old, too fat, too ridiculous, the outrage from the audience is palpable, and audible. She evokes gasps of sympathy, he is hissed at like a panto villain, Just as the electrics in her house are always fusing – eventually to destruction - Mari’s life goes dark. At the same time Little Voice is going over the rainbow in her own blaze of light, and even better, has found her own voice.

King’s Theatre until Sat 5^th April at 7.30

Wed.2^nd and Sat 5^th 2.30 and 7.30

0131 529 6000