Little voice, big presence

And as music represents the crux of the show, with Jessica taking the lead role, we should be in for a treat when the show opens at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre next week.

Although she's polished up her impersonation skills in front of family, much to the amusement of her Grandma's friends, her only previous practice was at school - mimicking teachers, and getting into trouble for it.

Performing alongside Jessica is recently graduated Peter Corbett - in his first professional role. Peter appeared in The Courtyard's first ever production, Cabaret and he is both excited at returning to his home town to perform as well as starring along side three experienced professional actors.

"I'm finding my voice through the play," he says.

Little Voice's mother, Mari is played by Geraldine McNulty - who most recently played Betty in Betty at The Vaudeville Theatre, London.

"It's an exquisite part," she says, of a character that never shuts up and is life and soul one minute, in the depths of despair the next.

"I'm at the last chance saloon."

Her knight in shining armour, Ray Say, is played by Guy Manning, well-known from television.

The first week of rehearsals has gone amazingly well for director Estelle van Warmelo, who was drawn to the play through an initial attraction to the story and an early desire in her own life to be a singer.

"It's real people in a funny, funny show," she says. And with not one sane character in the pack there should be plenty for her to sharpen her teeth on.

"Although we all have different backgrounds and histories, we have a similar approach to the way we work," says the director who as well as having a string of Courtyard success stories to her name is known for setting and maintaining the high standards of production for which the theatre has become renowned in the industry.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice runs at The Courtyard from June 5-14. For tickets call 01432 359252.