X Factor's Diana To Star In Little Voice

Published on 9 July 2009 by Jonathan Dudley

X Factor runner-up Diana Vickers is to star in a West End revival of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

Vickers will play Laura, a shy and lonely young woman with an impressive voice and an ability to mimic singers such as Judy Garland and Shirley Bassey. Jane Horrocks found fame through the role, starring both on stage and in the 1998 film adaptation.

18-year-old Vickers was criticised by many during her time on the X Factor for her "copycat" vocal style and the trademark hand gestures she made while singing. A stint in the West End could give the young performer an opportunity to silence her critics.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice was written in 1992 by Jim Cartwright and opened at the Royal National Theatre before transferring to the West End's Aldwych Theatre.