THE bright lights of the Wyvern Theatre will shine on stars of the stage and screen when The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice comes to town.

Coronation Street star Beverley Callard and X Factor 2006 contestant Ray Quinn are just two of the stars who will be at the theatre from May 13-18.

Jess Robinson, who has appeared in BBC2’s Dead Ringers, is starring as Little Voice.

Beverley, who is playing Mari Hoff, said: “It is quite different to the film. Jim Cartwright, who wrote the play, said he had seen productions of it and felt they were missing something, so he decided to direct it himself. This is exactly how he intended it to be “He asked me to play the role of Mari Hoff two years ago and there is no role like it for an actress.”

The play tells the story of shy Little Voice who spends most of her time immersed in her late father’s record collection perfecting her impersonations, much to the dismay of her fun-loving, out-of-control mother Mari.

Overheard singing by Ray Say, a hapless talent scout and Mari’s man of the moment, Little Voice is propelled to stardom as Ray sets about creating the show of the century in a dingy working man’s club.

With an agent from London coming and everything counting on this one performance, Mari and Ray’s ticket to the big time rests on Little Voice’s shoulders.

Ray Quinn, who plays Billy, said: “Little Voice is not a play and it is not a musical, it’s somewhere in between. There are ups and downs, dark moments and crying moments, but there are also really funny moments.

“I have never done a play before so it has been a really different experience to what I’m used to with Legally Blonde and Grease. I don’t sing in this at all.

“We have got a great cast and great music and if people want to see a good show they should come down and see us.”

Jess said she was honoured that the playwright chose her for the role.

She said: “This production is the way he imagined it to be. To have him choose me to play the role is just amazing. I still have to pinch myself.”

Actor and comedian, Duggie Brown plays the role of Mr Boo.

To book tickets visit wyverntheatre.org.uk or phone 01793 524 481.