Every emotion in Beverley’s role at Coventry’s Belgrade

For Mari in Jim Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is “totally unique”, according to the actress, who, as well as playing Liz McDonald in the television soap for 21 years, has been on screen and on stage in a variety of roles in a career spanning 30 years.

Speaking to the Courier ahead of the show, Beverley said: “We are coming towards the end of a 32-week tour and we have had standing ovations at every venue. That give you such a wonderful feeling.

“I don’t personally identify with Mari, but I do adore her.

“Her character is one of the greatest parts for women ever written so I have completely embraced it.”

In the play, Mari is the out-of-control mother of shy Little Voice, who spends most of her time immersed in her late father’s record collection and perfecting her astonishing singing voice.

Overheard singing by Ray Say - Mari’s man of the moment - the young girl is propelled to stardom as Ray sets about creating the show of the century in a dingy local working man’s club.

Beverley said: “Mari is an alcoholic, a grieving widow and she is struggling for money and resents her husband for dying - there is so much in one role. She is totally unique.

“The audience laugh at her, then they laugh with her - and then they begin to sympathise with her. They end up falling in love with her. It’s the full gamut of emotion.”

The play, which features l songs by Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland, is on from Tuesday May 28 to Saturday June 1.

Tickets, which cost from £15.75 to £30, call 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk