The Sound of My Voice - May 2008

The Sound of My Voice appears to be going through something of a resurgence.

A nearly-forgotten book from the Thatcher era, Ron Butlin’s work has recently been reclaimed as a modern Scottish classic by many, including Irvine Welsh. Jeremy Raison, artistic director of the Citizens' Theatre, has adapted it into a compelling piece of theatre.

Morris Magellan, an executive for an unnamed biscuit manufacturer, is a functioning alcoholic. The play’s action follows the quick deterioration of his life at home and work as his drinking addiction spirals out of control.

The story’s greatest success is that it does not necessarily centre on the alcoholism. The primary focus is on Morris and his relationships at home, work and with drink. By doing this, the play becomes not a social commentary on the evils of alcoholism but a character study about personal destruction.

Rebecca McQuillan has the difficult task of acting as the supporting player, literally. She is asked to do a great deal, including voicing Morris’s subconscious and creating multiple characters, chiefly Morris’s long-suffering and understanding wife. She succeeds on every account by avoiding stereotypes; instead, she plays the truthful nature of each character. It’s a difficult role to fulfil, especially as she constantly has to give support to her acting partner, but she does so brilliantly.

However, the production belongs to Billy Mack, who gives a towering performance as Morris that earned him a Critics' Awards for Theatre in Scotland nomination. The character could have easily been played cynically or pathetically; Mack instead creates an empathetic character. The fact that the audience cares deeply for Morris, even after he commits atrocious acts, is down to Mack's humane portrayal. The script asks a lot from him, and he exceeds expectation on every aspect.

Raison should be praised not only for his adaptation of the source material but for his direction. The play is excellently paced, with equal attention on the humour and the tragedy of the situation. Focus is given to Morris’s life rather than his plight, meaning that Morris doesn’t feel like the usual drunken stock character but a real individual. The production actually begins on a playful note, with both actors offering biscuits to the audience as they enter. This allows everyone to bond with Morris and his wife, which makes their story all the more devastating.

Equally effective is the design of the production. Jason Southgate’s set amplifies the small proximity of the space by decorating one wall with a large mirror and making the audience enter and exit through a large bar with multi-coloured bottles. Equally effective is Graham Sutherland’s lighting and sound design. Raison and Sutherland cleverly use light and sound not only as a way of highlighting the action but also to heighten emotional response.

Though not easy viewing, The Sound of My Voice showcases the power of theatre at its best, with sure-footed direction, simple yet effective design and dynamic performances. It should not be missed.