Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on March 26th, 2026 | return to news

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Poole & Parkstone Players, The Barrington Theatre

Review By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Shirley Bassey, Edith Piaf, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Petula Clark are on stage at this Ferndown theatre this week – or at least their voices are.

The songs of those past mega-stars of the music industry were brought to life by Little Voice – known as LV – played with such jaw-dropping skill by Leonie Beck, who portrays a shy, reclusive girl who spends her days locked away in her bedroom, finding solace in her father’s old records.

It must be said that you could hardly blame her, as her widowed mother, Mari Hoff, is beyond awful. Loud, neglectful, selfish and frequently intoxicated, Andrea Pellegrini is superb in the role, which she inhabits with every fibre of her being.

Kelly-Anne Singleton clearly has a lot of fun playing her dim-witted friend, who is always hanging around the house. It takes courage for such a portrayal, and she does so well with her facial expressions and inelegant walk.

These three women have absolute gems of parts, and they shine dramatically.

Played by Michael Caine in the original film, Simon Langford is perfect as the small-time talent agent and Mari’s boyfriend, who sees Little Voice’s singing talent as his ticket to the big time. And the one chance that he gets to sing himself is show-stopping.

With an obvious white wig, Paul Sarony adds humour as Mr Boo, the brash owner of a working men’s club who gives LV her big break. As the audience is seated café-style, you feel as if you are in that club, witnessing the impressive talent of this young girl.

Tim Berry is perfect as the quiet and socially awkward telephone engineer who falls in love with LV, while Steve Moore completes the seven-strong cast in the smaller role as the telephone man.

Take a bow, director Deanna Langford, and the behind-the-scenes production members, as this show is a triumph, with an ending that could bring a tear – of joy.

The play runs until Saturday 28 March. You might just be able to get a ticket – but hurry to book at https://www.pandp.org.uk/buy-tickets or from The Barrington’s box office.