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Little Voice

Year: 1998
Director: Mark Herman
Cast: Jane Horrocks , Michael Caine , Ewan McGregor , Jim Broadbent , Brenda Blethyn , Annette Badland, Philip Jackson.
Set Locations:
Northern England: Scarborough on Yorkshire's coast was extensively used
Jane Horrocks is the star of Mark Herman's 1998 drama 'Little Voice'. She plays Laura, who is known as Little Voice since developing a kind of social phobia following her father's death. Her mother (played by Brenda Blethyn) is often drunk and abusive, and is being driven to distraction by her daughter's increasingly withdrawn behaviour. Little Voice spends her time listening to her father's old records, which include singing legends such as Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey and Judi Garland. At night her father's ghost appears to her and she sings the songs of these great singers to him.

Ray Say, a washed up talent scout who is having a relationship with Laura's mother, overhears her singing and forces her out her of her introversion to sing at a seedy night club. It is clear that this is for his benefit not hers, as he sees this as his last chance for glory and money as an agent. She overcomes her fears by imagining her father in the crowd and delivers a stunning performance. Unfortunately, it all goes wrong after this when she refuses to sing at the much hyped follow up show. Through the difficulties that follow she is helped by Billy, a very shy telephone engineer who enjoys pigeon racing. He ultimately proves to be her saviour. Jane Horrocks did all her own singing throughout the film.

The film is shot on location in Scarborough, with some internal scenes filmed at Twickenham Film Studios in Middlesex. Scarborough has been a popular tourist resort on the Yorkshire coast for over 350 years. It is easy to see why the Victorians liked it so much as it is typical of the Victorian seaside resorts, with its vast stretches of sandy beaches. Much of the Victorian splendour remains, but there are also many modern additions to tempt you to take your family. You can visit the Wonders Amusement Park or theAtlantis Waterpark . These are both sure to keep the young ones, and even some of the older ones, entertained for many hours.

You can also visit The Spa Complex, the newly refurbished Rotunda Museum, the Sea Life Sanctuary and the Scarborough Art Gallery . Scarborough is a town full of music and holds many festivals throughout the year, from the musical one's such as Jazz , to Bike Week, Seafest and the Scarborough Cricket Festival . You never know, you might just witness the next big shy star from Scarborough!

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