Sister Act

Based on the 1992 film of the same name, which tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, who when witnesses her big time crook and fancy man carry out murder, has to hide for her own safety in the unlikely location of a convent.

Lorraine Lloyd as Deloris Van Cartier, has a pivotal role in the success or failure of this show. Lorraine was well cast, strong vocals and a real sass, in her fish out of water gangsters moll in a convent role.

Charlotte Brown as the exasperated Mother Superior trying to keep control of the force of nature called Deloris, was the perfect foil for Deloris. Charlotte gave a strong performance. Her timing was spot on and diction was clear. Tony Caley-Burnell as Monsignor O’Hara, sporting a lovely soft Irish gave a strong performance and was a good casting alongside charlotte Brown as Mother superior.

Lois Banks as Sister Mary Robert, the obedient novice turning into the stubborn rebel in her support of Deloris was beautifully acted and sensitively sung, her “The Life I Never Led” was particularly well delivered. The comedy of the piece was in the very capable hands of the experienced Lisa Perry as Sister Mary Lazarus and Gayle Orton-Ashill as the ever-enthusiastic Sister Mary Patrick.

Rhys Dean as Sweaty Eddie the police officer in love with Deloris has a difficult role to overcome his nickname. His experience showed and he took the audience on a ride with his performance.

Michael Bennett gave a good performance as Curtis Jackson. Strong vocals and gave a powerful rendition of “When I Find My Baby”.

His henchmen, Adam Hughes as Joey, Nick Preen as Pablo and Harri Herniman as TJ were well cast. Each one absolutely right for the part and each one comfortable in sending themselves up with their actions.

The choreography for this show does not require a lot of complicated steps and high kicks, but it does require a great deal of movement, with a high level of energy and enthusiasm and Billboard Ensemble delivered this in abundance. Lighting, costumes, props and scenery all did their part it making this a successful production.

Director Jon Mason Coombs had created a genuinely ‘feel good’ show and huge congratulations are in order.  The orchestra under the leadership of Mr John Murray accompanied the cast well. However they did overpower the cast at times, especially where lib was taking place during a musical number.

One criticisms,  I would liked to have not seen lead characters doubling up as choir boys in the opening of act 2 when there was already a sufficient number of men.

Congratulations Billboard.

 

 

 

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