Interview with our Little Voice Director
Our newsletter editor caught up with Andrew Knight, our Director of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, to find out a little more about the show.
This is another ambitious production for the KLP. Why did you choose this work to Direct?
I have wanted to do this for some time, but the timing has never been right. Ambitious is the under-statement. As you know I like a challenge, and KLP are not afraid from challenges, this has something for everyone, laughter, sadness, musicality, high emotion, and high drama.
Jim Cartwright has always written about fairly “dour” subjects, normally the condition of working class Britain suffering in the economic depression of the late 80’s and early 90’s. Will we leave the Theatre @ The Nap cheerful or depressed?
You will leave the theatre, hopefully wanting more, although ( without not giving too much away- for those who haven’t seen it before) the ending is dramatic/ sad and powerful it is also very very heartfelt.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice was written in 1992, are you setting it in the 90’s?
The script said present day, but we are setting it in the 1980’s, just the whole style of the script, and the setting screams out 80’s.
Most of us are aware of Jane Horrocks’ performance in the 1998 film, which also featured Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn, Jim Broadbent and Ewan McGregor. She was spectacularly impressive….. who have you cast in these very challenging roles?
I welcome back Rebecca Davey after a gap on the KLP stage for quite some time, playing Mari Hoff.
Another familiar face returns to our stage, after also a considerable gap, Dave Barron who is playing Ray Say.
Sean Lovell, is playing lovable and loyal to LV Billy
Jamie Yates- makes a cameo appearance for me playing the telephone engineer.
Julie Edgar, is playing Mari’s truly one and only friend Sadie.
Gary Edgar- is playing club host Mr Boo.
And Leanne Allen, is giving us the quiet/vulnerable and talented Little Voice.
I am very lucky and excited to have a fantastic talented cast, who are all working extremely hard, in bringing these characters to life.
Obviously music will be an vital part of your production….how are you planning to produce and integrate the various songs?
I actually don’t want to give too much away, but the music that is being used is fantastic and also great show stopping numbers, and Leanne will be singing all her own songs.
This is both a very funny play and a very sad piece. A difficult balance?
Yes this play is a rollercoaster of emotions, one minute you’re laughing and tapping along to the songs, and the next moment you’re on the edge of your seat, and feeling emotional.
Why should we all come and see this performance?
This is a great night out at the theatre, with every emotion you could ever imagine, we have a great set, and lots of surprises. Don’t want to say anymore except come and see for yourselves.