Christina Bianco, Shobna Gulati and Ian Kelsey lead the cast of a major new UK tour of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.
American actor, singer and impressionist Bianco - whose diva videos have been viewed by more than 25 million times on YouTube – will take the lead role of LV, the play’s versatile vocalist. From Judy Garland to Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe to Billie Holliday, Bianco must bring to life the standing ovation performances in Farnworth writer Cartwright’s tender and life-affirming play, which explores the highs and lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world.
Former Coronation Street actor Shobna Gulati will play mother Mari Hoff and West End leading man Ian Kelsey is wide boy Ray Say.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice won both the Oliver and Evening Standard awards for best comedy when it premiered at the National Theatre in 1992 with Jane Horrocks and Alison Steadman as daughter and mother. Horrocks later replayed daughter LV in the film adaptation with Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent.
The UK tour plays Theatr Clwyd (April 18-23), Liverpool Playhouse (May 16-21); Wakefield Theatre Royal (May 23-28); Crewe Lyceum (May 30-June 4), The Lowry in Salford (June 6-11); Blackpool Grand (June 13-18) and York Theatre Royal (July 4-9).