Sister Act

Fiona Bruce introduced the Antiques Road Show from Cromer Pier and 2 days later NODA President Nick Lawrence followed her footsteps along the pier in the sunshine, on his second visit to Norfolk, but he was not looking at antiques but a dynamic and fun production of ‘Sister Act’.

Must comment on the technical side knowing how restricted the Pier Pavilion is, excellent and clever set and slick changes under Dave Myers, with lighting imaginative from Matt Cross, all to show off that very professional show under the leadership of Martin Rodwell, Mark Sharp (excellent orchestra again), and Carole Beatty, what a production team.

This show really worked because the casting was so good, Martin chose well and all worked hard but obviously enjoyed themselves.  That huge Nun’s chorus and those named roles were absolutely terrific in vocal achievement and harmonies, in all those quick and deft and slick movements, and the costume changes, the outstanding energy levels and great fun throughout, these were the backbone and the vibrant ‘feel’ of this show.

In the opening nightclub scene, often almost underplayed, Andrea Wilson and Yvonne Kidd shone as Michelle and Tina and created a great team with Dolores in their numbers, showing their style.

Claire Reynolds Chandler was perfect casting as Dolores: professional, great voice for the part, stage presence and style, movement and the acting skills to interact with the other characters and personalities, this was a role made for her and she excelled.

In total contrast character and with calm and authority, yet relating to all others and problems, Amanda Howell as Mother Superior shone through all her scenes and interactions with a luminosity perfect in her understanding of the role; what great personalities these two ladies showed as they carried this show.

However one must not overlook the huge contribution played by the ‘named nuns’: the great energy and fun from Selina White as S.M.Patrick, the comedy touches and timing from slightly bad-tempered S.M.Lazarus of Carole Beatty, the wit and interruptions from S.M.Martin-of-Tours by Janet Hignett, and S.M.Theresa from Janet Nightingale, these all added so much to the comedy of the piece.  And new-comer Charlotte Drewell as S.M. Robert just blew the stage with her voice and energy. The whole sequences with these nuns just lifted this production to the heights of great amateur theatre and how they showed their enjoyment of every moment.

On to the male side, with Peter Howell extracting every last blink and aside from his Monsignor, excellent rapport with Mother Superior, and how many changes of vestments did he achieve?

Nick Bird as Curtis gave his usual professional performance and enjoyed being the ‘baddie’ in charge of his gang. And his gang of TJ (Neil Robertson), Joey (Grahame Woodrow) and Pablo (Robin Taylor) had such fun in their roles, well developed, and their number ‘Lady in Long Black Dress’ gave the opportunity to really show their mettle.

Another newcomer, Paul James, just walked in and wanted to be Eddie, a great find, worked well with Dolores, and nice voice to watch for future shows.

The overall take-home feel of this show is great sparkling songs and movement, fun for all involved and this generated this feel-good feeling as we danced home along the pier. So pleased with your success in this happy show.

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