IT’S the heart-wrenching story of a girl whose hidden talents are forced into the public.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, known from the 1998 film, had the audience gasping, laughing and singing along when it stopped at the Kings Theatre, Southsea, during its UK tour.

Impressionist, Jess Robinson belted out uncanny versions of Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland tracks, in the starring role, of the shy but talented Little Voice who sings along to her late father’s records with accuracy to the originals in private.

Yet Coronation Street star, Beverly Callard, stole the show in her role of Little Voice’s alcoholic and self-destructive mother, Mari Hoff, who allows her to be exploited by her lover and talent scout, Ray Say, who forces Little Voice to perform.

Beverly has the audience laughing as she dances around the room to Jackson 5 songs and later gasping in horror as her home and life collapses around her.

The first act is a little slow as the characters are introduced, but it speeds up a lot after the interval.

Overall it’s a feel-good yet tragic drama and a must see for music lovers.

The tour’s next stop is the Windsor Theatre Royal, where it’ll be until March 24.