The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Review
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
The Octagon Theatre, Bolton
31 May 2012 – 30 June 2012
Reviewed by Michelle Wright
My favourite film for years has been the story of Little Voice, starring Michael Caine and Jane Horrocks, written by Jim Cartwright.
In true Octagon style, they have produced a fabulous version of this story, cleverly utilising a two level scene of the house and a revolving stage in the second half to show the club scene where Little Voice performs.
Little Voice played by Katie Elin-Salt, has an incredibly powerful voice and can aspire to the diva tones of Shirley Bassey or Marilyn Monroe, then switch effortlessly to Judy Garland – then back to timid, insulate Little Voice – a very talented actress and singer. My absolute favourite character has to be Mari, played by the very talented Sue Devaney – a loveable brash Northern woman who after the death of her husband just wants to be loved. Devaney brings into the production a fabulous amount of slap stick comedy and she finds her way of coping through men and alcohol!
As the Octagon is a small theatre, as a member of the audience you feel closer to the characters, especially at the end of the show where I found myself feeling drawn into the storyline, and at points emotionally exhausted.
Both myself and my mum emerged from the theatre saying what a fabulous night we had had and what an incredible production we had seen.
The small cast put in so much effort, creating such emotion, and was certainly worthy of the standing ovation it received at the end of the night. Well done Octagon – a truly 'belting' night!
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to book tickets:
www.octagonbolton.co.uk/page/145/The-Rise-and-Fall-of-Little-Voice/229