Sister Act

Opening on the West End in 2009 this musical is based on the popular 1992 film of the same name. Over recent years the show has become a box office success for amateur groups up and down the country. Seeing the production performed by Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society it is not difficult to see why.

Deloris Van Cartier attempts, unsuccessfully, to gain employment as a singer at a nightclub owned by her boyfriend Curtis. Following her audition, she witnesses the murder by Curtis of one of his gangsters. Needing protection where could she be placed by the police to hide out? How about a convent? Once there she needs to fit in and most certainly has her work cut out not least conforming and teaching her fellow nuns to even hold a tune let alone sing.

This production had a large cast all of whom were well rehearsed and as a company pulled off a superb production. The chorus numbers were well polished regarding the singing and the choreography such as ‘Take Me to Heaven’, ‘Spread the Love Around’ and, ‘Raise Your Voice’ when singing for the Pope.

It is never possible to name all involved especially when the whole cast were strong. However, some performances do need to be highlighted.

Taking the role of Deloris was Keshia Herbert who played the character just right, she was believable throughout and both acted and sang well. These musical numbers included, ‘Fabulous Baby!’ especially the reprise in Act two, with the nuns singing their own song in the background. She most certainly won the hearts of the nuns who embraced her arrival at the convent making the most of some great comic moments as well as showing a somewhat naïve personality as well as a bubbly one.

Assisting Deloris with the hide out was former school colleague Lt. Eddie Souther (Sweaty Eddie) played well by Tom Robinson. He had a good singing voice delivering ‘I Could be that Guy’ with confidence. The clothing transformation initially into a white suit and then back to uniform was well staged by Robinson and the chorus.

The convent most certainly had a fair number of nuns (the female chorus). This number however was not off putting and did not look like too many. Leading the nuns was the Mother Superior played with great effect by Sheila Wood. The characterisation throughout the whole show was superb. The character has some great one liners, and these were played to the full but without overacting them, for example when Deloris appeared in the confession box, following her telephone call from Eddie and informing Deloris ‘Sunday is usually booked’. It was however her superb delivery of her musical numbers, ‘Here Within These Walls’ and when seeking divine intervention during, ‘I Haven’t Got a Prayer’ that appealed to the audience.  

Other nuns needing to be mentioned include Gillian Homer as the larger than life Sister Mary Patrick and Natalie Baggott as Sister Mary Lazarus both playing their roles well. However, it was Elysia Stretton as Sister Mary Roberts, a postulant nun (this was not what Deloris believed she said!) who had a wonderful voice singing, ‘The Life I Never Led’ who stood out.

Adrian Raybould played Monsignor O’Hara well while having to deliver difficult messages to Mother Superior about the future of the convent. In the end however he too was able to join in the fun. 

The gangsters were lead by Curtis played by Carl Cook. He delivered the right amount of sinister undertones and sang his song, ‘When I Find My Baby’ well. He was ably supported by Mike James as Joey, David Shaw as Pablo and Ollie Hart-Bradford as the non-too bright TJ.  All four of them made the most of the script and their individual characters.   

The costumes for this show need to be good. Not only for the nuns including their big musical numbers and especially the final scene but also realistic for other characters. They were not to disappoint as they were of good quality and bright.

On entering the auditorium, we were greeted to a magnificent proscenium arch depicting stained glass windows and organ pipes. The set changes were managed effectively and in good time even if due to the size it, at times, it knocked the lighting bars! The effective set changes ensured the show flowed well.

The lighting was well done and provided the right atmosphere during many of the musical numbers. The band under the leadership of Richard Ganner accompanied the cast well and enabled the cast to be heard when singing.

The packed house was appreciative throughout the whole show no more so than during the energetic final reprise and curtain call. Congratulations to Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society for bringing this quality standard, feel good, show to the stage.

All the best for future performances including the youth section production of The Phantom of the Opera in September and Singin in the Rain next June.

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