The Sound of My Voice - August 2009

‘Another day, another chance.’

So says Morris in The Sound of My Voice, which seems like a fair proclamation for this revival at the Fringe.

For the uninitiated, the play follows the life of Morris Magellan, a functioning alcoholic. We see him at home and work, and we witness how his dependency on drink is slowly eroding every part of his life.

The play has changed somewhat since its run at the Citizens. It has been cut down to a slim 75 minutes, exorcising some scenes and dialogue but also cutting the unnecessary interval that was more of a distraction to the dramatic flow than a needed break. The set has changed some, with the large drinks cabinet now replaced by a long, low bar. It’s still a beautiful design, a collection of colourful bottles that look inviting and show how drink is always looming over Morris’s life.

The biggest change is that Rebecca McQuillan is no longer playing the supporting role. This is a shame as McQuillan was excellent, but she has been replaced by Michele Gallagher, and her performance is different but equally effective.

McQuillan seemed a little more judgemental, adding a bit of needed dramatic tension to Morris’ plight, but Gallagher comes across as an angel of mercy, which adds an extra poignancy to the play’s final moments.

And we get to see Billy Mack reprise his phenomenal, award-nominated performance as Morris. It is a true tour-de-force, a performance that almost leaves the audience breathless. Everything, from his line delivery down to how his hand shakes when taking a drink, is brilliantly executed. He also manages to make a rather unpleasant man into a sympathetic human.

The Sound of My Voice was one of last year’s best productions, and it is even better now. It might make for some harsh viewing at times, but with a solid script, excellent all-round staging and two fantastic performances, it is more than worth seeing. Do not miss it.

Michael Cox's review of the May 2008 production of The Sound of My Voice is here.