THE Octagon is making a big noise as it brings home the hit Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

The timeless comic tragedy written by Farnworth playwright Jim Cartwright will be the theatre's opening production of the new year.

The play was originally written for the National Theatre in 1992 and associate director Ben Occhipinti, who is directing the play, says he is looking forward to bringing the latest production "back home to Bolton", with the production team working closely with the playwright to bring the Olivier Award Winning Comedy to the stage.

It will be performed in the newly refurbished Albert Halls in Bolton as it continues its season of offsite shows in 2019.

The latest venue has been described as the perfect setting for the play, as the Octagon undergoes a transformation.

The play centres on "Little Voice" who escapes her dreary life through singing stunning impersonations of her favourite hits.

In fear that her mother might blow a fuse, she escapes in her attic room through her father’s old vinyl collection ­— she loves the great divas: Bassey, Garland, Piaf, Springfield, Holliday.

Audiences will enjoy a stunning collection of hits including Big Spender, Over the Rainbow and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien performed live on stage.

Director Ben Occhipinti has said: "I can’t think of anywhere better to create this production than at the Albert Halls in Bolton.

"The history of the building as a music hall means the venue has exactly the right feel to become the place where Little Voice performs her music. It is a beautiful, sad, funny and heart-warming story with some fantastic comic characters that I can’t wait to bring back home to Bolton.

"We’re lucky to be able to work closely with Jim Cartwright on this production and I’m delighted to be working with such talented stage and screen actors to put on what will be a powerful performance of music and drama."

Katie Elin-Salt, who has most recently been seen in Out of Love, returns as Little Voice, a role which she performed in the Octagon Theatre's acclaimed 2012 production. She has also been working with Shakespeare's Globe and National Theatre. Night Club owner, Mr Boo, will be played by Ted Robbins, from Phoenix Nights, Benidorm, Coronation Street.

Little Voice’s domineering mother, Mari, will be played by Sally George recently seen in the National Theatre’s People, Places and Things. Stage and screen actor Mark Moraghan, know for Emmerdale, Coronation Street, ITV, will play Mari’s opportunistic boyfriend, Ray, who sees Little Voice’s talent as his ticket to fame and fortune.

Sue Vincent of Bad Move and Mount Pleasant will play Mari’s best friend Sadie and Akshay Gulati returns to the Octagon after East is East and The Family Way, in the role of kind hearted Billy.

The production will run from January 24 to February 2 at the Albert Halls, Bolton as the Octagon’s town centre theatre undergoes a multi-million pound redevelopment.

For more information or to buy tickets: octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/the-rise-and-fall-of-little-voice