Sister Act

With a completely black stage, no visible band and a striking video wall, centre and sides, providing colour and excitement, the audience’s attention was riveted right from the start. Joanna Munro as the sassy Deloris Van Cartier introduced us to her life as a nightclub singer. Accompanied by her backing singers Tina and Michelle (Claire Smith and Kerry Mitchell) the three sang and moved with confidence and style. But the lively mood soon changed when Deloris witnessed her mob boss boyfriend Curtis (played with quiet malice) by Kevin Smith, murder one of his men. Knowing her own life was in danger she fled for help to good cop Sweaty Eddie, an old school mate - Gary Cavanagh gave a sympathetic performance. Eddie’s answer was to “hide” her in a convent. As soon as she entered the convent and donned her nun’s habit the entertainment grew. While her feisty behaviour soon antagonised Mother Superior the rest of the nuns took her to their hearts as she remoulded their disastrous choir into a sound fit for the Pope. Joanna Fitzgerald indeed gave a “superior” performance and brought dignity and polish to this role whilst Mark Masson also contributed to the humour as Monsignor O’Hara. In the company of approximately 29 nuns, Joanna as Deloris excelled. Sister Mary Patrick (Elaine Scougal), Sister Mary Lazarus (Violet Thomson) provided us with memorable comedy moments, while Sister Mary Theresa (Lesley Ritchie) and Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (Laura Cameron) showed their characterisations skills. Deloris and the nuns were of course the stars of the show but a rising star amongst them, Natasha Davidson as postulant Sister Mary Robert shone brightly in both her voice and portrayal. On the eve of their concert for the Pope, Curtis and his goons, TJ, Joey and Pablo, (Grant Roach, Michael Burns and Gavin Burton) invade the convent to capture Deloris but not before the threesome provide some more fun with their rendition of Lady With The Long Black Dress. But of course the nuns save the day. A thoroughly enjoyable evening with effective choreography and characterisation, rousing singing and accompaniment. But will we ever recover from Roger Brunton’s portrayal of the Pope? Congratulations to everyone involved.

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