Jill Halfpenny is stepping into Brenda Blethyn's shoes for a new stage production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. The Channel 5 star will play Mari, the role originated by Blethyn in the 1998 film and by Alison Steadman in the original stage play.
Halfpenny and fellow cast member Paul Chuckle discussed the upcoming production on BBC Breakfast with Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell. The play, adapted from the stage show first performed 28 years ago, follows a shy young woman who discovers her own voice through musical impersonations.
Cast and roles revealed
Halfpenny described her character as volatile, while Chuckle takes on the role of Mr Boo, the owner of a working men's cabaret club, which Jim Broadbent played in the film. The movie also starred Michael Caine, Jane Horrocks and Ewan McGregor.
Chuckle praised the film, released 30 years ago, saying: "The play is even better. It's not the same, obviously. There are no big cars or things like that; it's all more or less in-house and in the club."
Rehearsals and opening
Halfpenny added: "Yeah, it's very funny, but it's equally as heartbreaking. It really takes you on a ride when you watch it. So far, watching what everybody's already bringing to the table, we're only in our third week of rehearsal, and everyone is really good."
The pair have around six weeks of rehearsals before the play opens at the start of December. Halfpenny praised Francesca Mills, known for Silent Witness, who plays the title role of Little Voice, saying she is making the character her own.
Chuckle on a different challenge
Chuckle, whose brother Barry died eight years ago, noted this production differs from his previous work. He said: "Yes, very different. For a start, six weeks of rehearsals; the most I've ever had is two weeks. When Barry and I did our tours, we did two days of rehearsal and went out on a 65-day tour. I've never done any training."
He added that on stage he cannot start again if he makes a mistake, explaining: "There's some long, long speech lines to learn; it's difficult, but I'm getting there." BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One weekdays from 6am.
