Review: THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE, Malvern Theatres - UK tour
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Jim Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice first hit the stage in 1992, winning an Olivier Award for comedy direction and producing career defining performances from both Jane Horrocks and Alison Steadman. It is brave to revisit such a masterpiece especially when previous versions have such critical acclaim.
LV (Christina Bianco) has just that, a little voice, overpowered and overshadowed by her alcoholic mother Mari (Shobna Gulati) who is determined to keep her down. Hiding in her room and rarely getting out of her pyjamas, LV withdraws into the records of her deceased father and soon learns she can impersonate the voices of the stars they both idolise. In the installation of the phone line, LV meets Billy (Ashkay Gulati) a gentle man of few words. Billy takes a shine to the girl seeing the heart of LV and captivated by her silence and stillness.
During a visit from Mari’s love interest Ray (Ian Kelsey), they experience a power cut and while the records stand still, LV is determined to keep the music going and begins to sing. Ray sees potential and pound signs, becoming determined to make LV a star. With the help of Mari, they get LV onto a stage. Though being so used to being alone, LV doesn’t initially warm to the stage.
Christina Bianco is a joy as LV (Little Voice); though she may be petite in stature, her presence is captivating and her voice – exhilarating. There is knowing in her silence and power in her stillness that pulls the audience into the palm of her hand. Bianco displays a girl who is comfortable in her bubble, rather than trapped by her fear or the world, which is a fresh interpretation.
LV’s mum, Mari, is an incredibly difficult part to land as she toes the delicate line between ‘damaged villain’ and comic relief. Unfortunately, Shobna Gulati’s Mari is a little too one note. Mari is a caricature, all humour - no pathos. Think teenage tantrum after a Friday night drinking in the park. With no light or shade, it is impossible to generate any real emotion towards the character.
Mari's best friend Sadie is the real comic relief. Fiona Mulvaney is beautifully sincere, bringing a welcome lightness to the Hoff house. The seasoning that brings a meal to life. Mulvaney’s comic timing is impeccable, and the delivery is subtle and smart.
Ian Kelsey is a warming surprise as Ray. More ambition than ability, it is easy to will him to succeed and though jack the lad in demeanour, delivers a paternal portrayal to LV. Balancing tenderness and selfish ambition with a suave charm.
This incarnation of Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is wonderfully written but slightly let down in its delivery and occasional directional choices by Bronagh Lagan. With the story centred so firmly around a one-dimensional Mari, it is hard to remain engaged with over produced comedy dance routines and lengthy monologues that lack dynamic. There were also a few technical difficulties, which will be easily ironed through and bore little impact on the overall production.
A pleasant evening with Christina Bianco becoming the stars she portrays, leaving the audiences wanting a lot more.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice tours nationally until July 2022, with tickets for select venues available here.