Sister Act

Sister Act is the amazing feel-good comedy based on the smash hit movie of the same name starring Whoopie Goldberg and Maggie Smith. When ‘disco-diva’ Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody, in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and its community, but in doing so, she blows her cover.  Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against a Deloris and her newfound ‘sisterhood’. This musical is not only filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, comedy aplenty…
it has a truly moving story to be told as well!

I have seen the Sister Act films many times and loved them, but this was my first viewing of the musical, so if like me, you thought you’d know all the songs you may have been a little disappointed; but rest assured, once you heard ‘Take me to Heaven’ you had forgotten the film and all you wanted to do was, sit back and wait to be entertained ….and entertained we were!

With Rainhill Village Hall packed to the rafters…not a seat to be had, the curtain opened, and the music began! ‘Take me to Heaven’ then filled the room…and you just knew! ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ played by Lucy Bradshaw, flanked by her backing singers ‘Michelle’ and ‘Tina’ played respectively by Laura Riley and Michelle Williams set the tone, the pace and the standard for the entire show!

With seventeen named cast members and so many memorable performances, I find myself in a difficult position!  To highlight some without possibly doing injustice to others is difficult, but, having said that, I do feel that I need to highlight the following….

Lucy Bradshaw took us on an emotional journey with a great portrayal of ‘Deloris Van Cartier’!  From the ‘brash’, ‘feisty’, ‘frightened’, ‘crazy Deloris’ we first meet, to the gentle, softer, emotional Deloris we see toward the end! Confident, with great comedic timing and a powerful voice - ‘Take me to Heaven’, as previously stated, set the standard for the entire show!  Lucy made this part her own….be ever so proud!

Samantha Moores was a ‘perfect fit’ for the role of ‘Mother Superior’. Great diction, good comedic timing, singing was perfect throughout, just a lovely performance – well done!

Bryan Dargie gave a terrific performance as the murdering villain of the piece, ‘Curtis Jackson’.  Forceful, menacing, sinister; someone you wouldn’t like to meet in a dark alley!  Good singing voice, his rendition of ‘When I find my Baby’ was a highlight for me… superb casting - well done sir!

Paul Robinson played the part of ‘Eddie’ or ‘Sweaty Eddie’ as he became better known; our ‘not so clever cop’!  Paul showed the many sides of this character; his song ‘I could be that Guy’ was sung with emotion and a sense of meaning…well done!

Our Nuns and Clergy…. ‘Sister Mary Patrick’ played by Julie Molyneux; ‘Sister Mary Robert’ played by Bláthíne Maguire, ‘Sister Mary Lazarus’ played by Ruth Gibb, ‘Sister Mary Martin of Tours’ played by Michelle Williams, ‘Sister Mary Theresa’ played by Marjorie Davies and last but not least ‘Monsignor’ played by Addae Gaskin… individually great, each brought life to their respective characters; together as a group….just fabulous, adding so much to the overall production, again be proud!

‘Curtis Jackson’s sidekicks’…’TJ’ played by Elliot Bailey (luved the boots), ‘Joey’ played by Dave Flanagan and ‘Pablo’ played by Ben Evans - Clarke…again individually great, together the chemistry was superb! Their rendition of the ‘Lady in the Long Black Dress’ - a ‘showstopper’, a ‘highlight’ for me, brought the house down!

The ensemble supported the principal cast very well and it was obvious from the very start that everyone on stage ‘loved’ being part of this show! Everyone acted, sang and danced their hearts out, they had obviously worked hard, thought about their characters and were so enthusiastic…well done!

The set was a simple set, which worked well with some nice touches (church windows at the back of the stage when lit had a real feeling of stained glass). Thanks to Tony Dagnall and his team.  Costumes were in keeping with the era and added to the overall production…congrats to Pip Bradshaw, Karen Woods, Ruth Gibb, Claire Jones and Charades Theatrical Costume Hire.

Sound and Lighting are always important to any show. I am more than aware of the problems and issues faced at Rainhill which they try so hard to overcome.  But you can only achieve what you can with what you have and overall everything worked very well!  There were a few small issues, none of which detracted from the overall performance in fact ‘one late doorbell ring’…brought the audience to their feet!  So well done to Joe Massey and Les Dagnall respectively, be proud guys!

Before we move on from ‘sound - “What’s the first thing that people think about at a musical? - THE MUSIC!  That was provided by Wayne Oakes and his amazing orchestra who were located in a small room at the back of the ‘village hall’ and linked to the main auditorium by TV and Video link…’only achieve what you can with what you have’.. need I say more!  The music was superb, the way it was linked, amazing! Congrats to the ‘technical wizard’ Joe Massey who made this happen!

A wonderful show with a wonderful cast, well directed, musically ‘toe tappingly’ brilliant, with some good choreography. All credit to Pip Bradshaw (Director), Wayne Oakes (Musical Director), Lucy Bradshaw (Choreographer) and the entire Production Team for this excellent production- well done – be proud! 

Finally, congratulations again to everyone involved. Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I. Thanks to Pip and Keith for your hospitality throughout and for making us feel so welcome. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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