Review - The Rise and Fall of Little Voice - Royalty Theatre

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice 

Royalty Theatre 

29th October, 2024

Written by Jim Cartwright

Directed by Andrew Barella and Aidan Evans

Juggling work and life is proving to be something of a challenge lately, and has meant that I've not been able to see as much theatre as I would have liked this season, however I'm glad I made time this week to get to the Royalty at Sunderland to see their current production. 

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is described in the programme as a "wonderfully quirky and dark comedy". I like a bit of quirky. And I like a bit of dark comedy. Little Voice is definitely quirky and it is certainly dark. It's one of those strange plays that defies being put in a category - if it was a book, the publisher would struggle to find a nice niche label to shelve it under.  It's a story about people, and relationships, about love and selfishness, and the difference between dreams and ambition. It could so easily have been written as a kitchen sink drama - bleak and unforgiving, but it's saving grace is the humour - dark though it may be. There are two strands to the humour - a crueller, laughing at the characters kind, and a gentler more understanding, recognition kind. 

Mari and Ray are not nice people; they are self-centred, self-involved, ambitious only for their own success, interested only in what they can gain from a situation. And, we laugh at the manifestation of their shallowness, and feel at the end, they get what they deserve. 

Little Voice and Billy are two lost souls in this world, trying to navigate a way through, and at the mercy of the wolves. We recognise their humanity and we smile at their awkwardness and innocence. They have each created an escape from the difficulties of their lives. Billy perhaps more successfully than Little Voice, but in achieving his dream, he is able to help LV find hers. Their developing relationship brings us a sweeter humour. 

Billy, played by Matthew Pegden, is a such a lovable character, and Pegden plays him beautifully, from his first awkward words to his final assertive support for LV.  While Chantelle Taggart captures the two sides of Little Voice perfectly - the shy, reclusive girl, who barely speaks, and the girl who can transform into her favourite singers. It's a tall order to not only sing well, but to also sound like some of the greatest female singers of all time. Chantelle achieves all of this with ease. 

As well as challenging the actors, this play is also a challenge for the set designers - they have created a set on two levels (three if you include Billy's telegraph pole!) to incorporate the kitchen and living room as well as LV's bedroom sanctuary. Light and sound are crucial and the music played and lights dimmed on cue! 

There's a lot to contend with in this play and the team at the Royalty have met the challenges head on. 

It runs until Sat 2nd November, tickets can be purchased in advance at  www.royaltytheatre.co.uk or on the door. 

Denise Sparrowhawk