Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is delighted to announce that a brand-new production of THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE, will tour directly from the National Theatre, with its original cast, in 2027 from 9 – 13 March 2027.

Jim Cartwright’s modern classic, which will be directed by Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), is a joyful, tender and bittersweet celebration of music, ambition and the courage it takes to be heard featuring iconic music from the likes of Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey and more.

This new production will feature Francesca Mills (Silent Witness, BBC), who will play the title role of Little Voice, with Olivier Award-winning actress, Jill Halfpenny (The Long Shadow, ITV) and BAFTA Award-winning actor, Paul Chuckle (The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Channel 5), playing the roles of Mari Hoff and Mr Boo, respectively.  Further casting will be announced soon.

Alone in the sanctuary of her small bedroom, Little Voice fills the air with pitch perfect renditions of her deceased dad’s prized record collection of the great divas, from Judy Garland to Billie Holiday.

But when her mother Mari’s latest fling, local wheeler dealer Ray, hears her sing he’s certain he’s struck gold. Will Little Voice be pushed into a spotlight she never asked for?

Director Robert Hastie is joined in the artistic team by set and costume designer Janet Bird, lighting designer Paul Pyant, sound designer Mike Walker, composer and music director David Shrubsole, voice coach Shereen Ibrahim with casting by Alastair Coomer CDG.

Tickets for THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE are on sale to Friends of the Grand and members now with tickets on sale to the general public at 10am on Monday 18 May at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Robert Hastie, director of THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE and Deputy Artistic Director of the National Theatre said: “Jim Cartwright is one of England’s greatest living playwrights, with such a distinct voice. He has long championed and showcased stories rooted in the North of England with vivid characters and poignant wit. I can’t wait to work with these wonderful actors to bring The Rise and Fall of Little Voice to life for audiences at the National Theatre and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.”

Actress Francesca Mills who will play the title role in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice added: “I can’t wait to reunite with director Robert Hastie to take on the wonderful role of Little Voice and I am elated to work alongside Jill Halfpenny and Paul Chuckle. My first show I ever did at the National was in the Dorfman theatre so to be returning to that beautiful space over Christmas followed by a tour around England – I’m truly over the moon!”

Actress Jill Halfpenny who will play the role of Mari Hoff in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, said: “I’m so excited to playing the role of Mari Hoff in Jim Cartwright’s beloved Northern play, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.  I have long admired Jim’s work and to get the opportunity to play this role at the National Theatre and at theatres across England this winter is very special.

Actor, Paul Chuckle who will play the role of Mr Boo in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, added: “I am delighted to be joining Francesca Mills and Jill Halfpenny in Jim Cartwright’s iconic play, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.  I can’t wait to get into rehearsals with Robert Hastie and this fantastic team.  To perform at the National Theatre and then head out on tour across England is a dream come true and I can’t wait to return to Wolverhampton.”