Jim Cartwright originally wrote this play to show off the singing impersonations of Jane Horrocks, having witnessed them during her warm-up routine for a play he was directing. Horrocks simply shone in the West End production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice when it opened in 1992, going on to reprise the role of the withdrawn, beleaguered Little Voice in the 1998 film version, which featured an all-star cast including Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent. So, a lot to live up to for quirky starlet Diana Vickers of X Factor fame, who is taking on the role in this West End revival at the Vaudeville. She's got the right mix of vulnerability and transforming stage presence for the part - whether her unusual folksy voice can live up to the big numbers a la Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland et al remains to be seen, but the story - and Cartwright's funny, warm-hearted script - glimmer with potential. Little Voice's hidden singing talent, inspired by her late father's record collection, is discovered by third-rate agent Ray Say (Marc Warren), who is dating her sloshed, shameless mother (Lesley Sharp) and puts her on the stage of a grotty nightclub in Scarborough. But he has plans to turn Little Voice into a star...
The Importance of Being Earnest
Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, WC2R 0NH
22nd January 2008 - 26th April 2008
It is impossible to overemphasise just how much fun Penelope Keith will... More
4 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Standing alongside A Streetcar Named Desire as one of Tennessee Williams' timelessly exquisite (and Pulitzer Prize-winning) plays, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof follows hot ...More
5 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Lionel Bart's smashing Victorian musical has had two previous London productions which both ran for over 100 performances, but there's every chance that this new ...More
2 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
You're familiar with the egg and spoon race. Well how about the Christmas Pudding Race? Covent Garden Piazza swells with spectators as about 150 contestants ...More
3 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
This autumn the London Transport Museum stages a major exhibition on the enclaves that surround the city best known as Suburbia. With its trains, trams ...More
4 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
This famous Grade II listed Victorian railway hotel has been totally refurbished, from the bars and restaurants to all 239 rooms, providing every modern convenience ... More
3 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
After a two-year, £22 million refurbishment the London Transport Museum reopened on 22 November 2007 revealing more exhibition space than before. The museum travels back ... More
3 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
After a two-year, £22 million refurbishment the London Transport Museum reopened on 22 November 2007 revealing more exhibition space than before. The museum travels back ...More
2 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Belgium's finest export, the first Godiva was opened in Brussels approximately 75 years ago by master chocolatier Joseph Draps and named after the legendary Lady ... More
1 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
It's a problem. How to get a healthy, tasty lunch. We're swamped in McDonald's and Pret a Manger, but finally our search for something different, ... More
6 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
The Courtauld is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Oxbridge system and boasting a huge private location and ... More
6 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Imperial College London is the foremost medical training faculty in the country but for non-medical graduates wishing for a change of career, King’s is the ... More
3 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
This day spa exclusively for women is a total pampering experience from the minute you step through the door. Located in bustling Covent Garden you'll ... More
7 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Before it was a hip private members' club designed specifically for the creative industries - complete with bar and dining rooms, cinema, TV and recording ... More
2 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Overlooking Covent Garden Piazza, the Cove is a world away from the crowds outside. Tucked up in a worn, leather armchair under the pub’s low, ... More
12 minutes walk from The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
This
was once a sleazy Soho strip club, as the name suggests, and it really
shows. Deep reds are the dominant colour, with mirrors, booths and
velvet curtains ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Jim Cartwright originally wrote this play to show off the singing impersonations of Jane Horrocks, having witnessed them during her warm-up routine for a play he was directing. Horrocks simply shone in the 
