X Factor finalist Diana Vickers makes an impressive West End debut as the versatile-voiced daughter of loud-mouthed Northern widow Mari, who’s too busy getting pissed and hunting for a man to notice the talents of her reclusive offspring.
Terry Johnson’s revival of Jim Cartwright’s 1992 tragi-comedy gives Lesley Sharp’s brassy, brazen mother-from-hell full rein to show how to age disgracefully. In a succession of flesh-hugging outfits she mauls Marc Warren’s sleazy would-be agent Ray whose real interest lies in the reluctant LV’s moneymaking potential.
The rough poetry of the language can be overdone, but Vickers’s imitations of divas from Faithfull to Bassey and Garland to Piaf are instantly recognisable.
Vaudeville, Strand, WC2R 0NH Charing Cross (0844 412 4663; littlevoicewestend.com). Until Jan 30. £16-£48.50
No comments:
Post a Comment