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a shy diva The Rise
and Fall of Little Voice Belgrade
Theatre, Coventry *****
FIRST of all, it's worth saying this is a first-rate cast. Beverley
Callard in the main part of Marie, the larger-than-life, chatterbox,
Manchester mother, gives a wonderful performance that takes us with her
through the highs and lows of the action. Jess
Robinson (left)
as Little Voice (always known as
LV – we never learn her name) is amazing in the transition from silent,
troubled teen to diva and back in the blink of an eye. Sadie (Sally
Plumb) Marie's ever-present neighbour, is her perfect foil. LV, Marie's daughter, has been
silent all her life but more so since the death of her father who
worshipped the divas; Shirley Bassey, Edith Piaf, Barbara Streisand,
Tina Turner – you name them. Her mother seriously
disapproves of her, she never goes out. “Are you agoraphobical, cos if
you are, you can clear off!” But in moments of stress LV sloughs off her
usual whisper and out of her voice come perfect imitations of her
father's favourite records. It's a moment of stress when
Marie's new conquest, Ray Say (Simon Thorp), arrives. LV, introduced as
‘useless', goes upstairs to sing. He assumes it's a record; but
no. And he has connections to the arts world – as a manager. His dream
is to see her on stage in the local club; inviting Mr Boo (Duggie Brown)
– who also acts as compere to this production – to hear her. They intend to make her a
star. But LV can't, won't or doesn't sing to order and becomes
increasingly distressed. Her first attempt is a disaster and the
Rawtenstall Working Men's Club is not usually that forgiving. As a charming sideline, Marie
is having a telephone fitted and the silent apprentice Billy (Ray Quinn)
takes a shine to LV. He courts her through her window with stories of
his shed-based light show. A scene I particularly liked
was the silver-tongued Ray Say convincing LV to have one more try for
her father's sake. His story about blue birds was captivating and LV's
response lovely. This is a wonderful
production, written and directed by Jim Cartwright, with many nuances
and touches, such as half-time bingo and a raffle in aid of Whippets and
Ferrets, and the set is incredible in its flexibility. But ignore all that and just
watch LV's performance, it's totally captivating. To 01-06-13 Jane
Howard
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