Don’t you just hate it when people SHOUT at you in emails?

The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice by Mustard Theatre Company, Studio Theatre Dance East, Ipswich

We are surrounded by constant noise, loudness and mayhem, not least at this time of the year, with frantic Christmas shopping and idiotic imports like Black Friday.

It seems, for some people, shouting louder is the way to get things done.

Spare a thought for those who find noise and brashness just too much and yearn for peace.

Little Voice (we never find out her full name), hides away in her bedroom, wrapped in nostalgia and listending to the collection of classic records left to her by her late father.

LV (Rachel Keverern), in this Mustard Theatre Company production, hasn’t the confidence to speak up for herself, in the face of the constant put-downs from her bold, brassy, alcoholic mother (Pat Parris).

The Merry Widow has her sights set on snaring Ray Say (Rob Backhouse), a sometime entertainment agent, as her new husband.

Little Voice has a secret talent, she can sing superbly - mimicking those recording stars from her collectioon.

For her mum, and boyfriend Ray, she is offers a big opportunity, to exploit that talent for their own purproses.

Reluctantly, Little Voice is forced to sing on the stage, but at great personal cost.

This production never ceases to amaze.

It is a black comedy in many places, yet with amazing music.

The lead, Rachel Keveren, gives a tremendous performance as the little singer with the big voice.

There is one song, in particular, which I guarantee will bring a tear to your eye.

Rachel is a STAR (forgive me for shouting) who quietly dominates as LV, and then lights up the stage when she sings.

Will LV ever discover herself?

Rachel is well supported by the cast, in particular the odious Ray Say (Backhouse), and mum Mari (Parris) who is another sad case.

As audience you want to shake them for their stupidy, but you find youself pitying them too.

This is a fine production with plenty of emotion.

This production is also at: New Cut Halesworth on Friday December 5 and The Bank, Eye on Saturday December 6.

www.mustardtheatrecompany.org.uk