The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Date:15th June 2018
Society: Fatfield Musical Stage Society
Venue: Arts Centre Washington
Type of Production: Play
Director: Helen Abraham
Choreographer: Helen Abraham
Report Author: Foster Johnson
Fatfield Musical Stage Society stepped outside of their normal comfort zone to deliver a fine performance of this well-known play and film. To do was no mean feat when you know your performance will invariably draw judgement with past performances and the successful film starring Jane Horrocks, Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine, and Ewan McGregor.
To their credit, they did not fall into the trap of simply trying to imitate or emulate these stars but made it different with their own characterisations of the roles they portrayed. The play was well directed by Helen Abraham and she has the happy knack of allowing the cast the freedom to express themselves which is vital in this play. Against a simple and minimalistic set and backdrop, occasioned by the layout of the theatre, but with super sound quality and music which fitted the era and the musical world of Little Voice the production raced along and the evening flew by.
As for the cast of six themselves, there was not a weak link amongst them and they were excellent. Their portrayals were spot on and their interaction was both intuitively strong and drew the audience into the chaotic world of dreams and disaster which they inhabited.
The role of Little Voice was undertaken by Louise Richardson. As we all know this role requires the actor to not only display the vulnerability of the character but have a wide-ranging repertoire of musical ability to perform and emulate the voices of various musical divas. She did so remarkably well under the pressure of being judged and compared to those divas.
Alongside her, we had Joanne Hudson as her mother Mari an ageing drunk who is desperate for life to do her a good turn and provide her with what she thinks are her rights. This character is all energy and action coupled with the all-consuming wish for success and Joanne’s interpretation of this intense role was an absolute delight.
In the role of Ray Say the seedy and unscrupulous agent we had Jeff Page who once again delivered a consummate professional performance. His comedic delivery is always spot on and his interpretation of Roy Orbison’s “It’s Over” had the audience in stitches.
There were also some lovely cameo performances from Anthony Heslop as Billy the shy telephone engineer in love with Little Voice, Shaun Crosby as Mr Boo the seedy nightclub owner and Janet Cooper as Sadie Mari’s simple soul neighbour and friend.
