Sister Act

Sister Act, the musical, is based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. It tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier an aspiring disco diva whose world gets flipped upside down when she witnesses her gangster boyfriend, Curtis Jackson, commit a murder. After reporting the crime to the police she is placed in protective custody in the one place the police are sure she won’t be found - a convent, whose parish has fallen on hard times and faces closure. Disguised as a nun she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and and an uptight Mother Superior. Deloris eventually uses her singing talent to inspire the nuns and creates a more contemporary choir which becomes a hit with the local community. She also finds friendship and sisterhood that she has never known before.

The role of Deloris is the backbone of the show as she is rarely off-stage and so you need someone who can carry through these demanding expectations. Well, I must say that Charlotte Brough was most definitely that person, she was absolutely outstanding. From the very first number, ‘Take Me to Heaven’ followed by ‘Fabulous Baby’ I knew that Charlotte was something special. Her singing and sexy delivery of these two numbers was just top-notch and with super support from Lauren Turner as Michelle and Laura Whitworth as Tina, what a ‘fabulous’ trio they made. The numerous songs that Deloris sings were all sung so brilliantly and together with her great acting and comedic finesse she totally coped with all the complexities of the character which resulted in a truly amazing performance. In the programme two Mother Superiors were listed. I later found out that one of the ladies was pregnant during the rehearsals so it was decided to have two, just in case! One was Nicola Smith and the other was Chloe Nunnington. Playing the role on the night that I was there was Chloe, who had been pregnant, and her baby was now just 2/3 weeks old. Chloe’s portrayal of Mother Superior was excellent, she portrayed the right amount of idealistic authority when needed, but became completely disgruntled and exasperated by the whole situation and her singing of ‘I Haven’t Got a Prayer’ was so movingly delivered. A stunning performance came from Evie Davis-Pullinger as postulant Sister Mary Robert. She wonderfully captured the innocence, the sweetness and the curiosity of the character and what an awesome delivery she sang of ‘The Life I Never Led’ when she finally gained the courage to stand up for herself. Charlotte Harrison was terrific and an absolute hoot as Sister Mary Patrick, she was just so funny, bubbling with energy and so over enthusiastic about everything. Emily Skill excelled as the somewhat surly Sister Mary Lazarus but her transformation into a ‘rapper’ was hilarious. Excellent support came from Rebekah Petrillo, as Sister Martin-of-Tours, Gemma Bailey as Sister Mary Theresa, Carolyn Szadura as Sister Mary Celeste, Alys Raine as Sister Mary Irene and indeed from all the other nuns - Lauren Turner, Laura Whitworth, Hannah Donovan, Chelsea Edwards, Eleanor Goddard-Molyneux, Tracey Leeds and Sophie Taylor. The chorus of nuns have a pivotal role in the show and they were all superb, so enthusiastic and so full of energy. Following their initial ear-piercing attempts, their singing was harmoniously and heavenly sublime and was accompanied by innovative and well executed choreography. Josh Skeldon was absolutely convincing as Curtis Jackson, the gangster boyfriend of Deloris. He commanded the stage and was thoroughly intimidating and menacingly ruthless - a very imposing and impressive performance. His gang of three however, definitely injected some comedic interludes with their hilarious antics. Matthew Szadura as Joey, James Whitworth as Pablo (great accent), and Leighton Hendon as T.J were so funny at those times when they weren’t being ‘gangsterish’. Their singing and dancing of ‘Lady in the Long Black Dress’ was just awe-inspiring (loved the falsetto from Leighton) they were just brilliant. William Cousins was perfect in the role of Policeman Eddie Souther who has always had a crush on Deloris. He wonderfully and sympathetically acted the part and his singing of ‘I Could Be The Guy’ was top-notch. I loved Gareth Elvidge’s interpretation of the Irish Cleric, Monsignor O’Hara. He was so mischievous (I was going to say devilish but no……) and his effervescent and irrepressible approach to the character was so endearing. Good support came from Matt Charlton as the Cab Driver and he definitely needed ‘support’ when he became a most voluptuous Drag Queen. Also good support came from Daniel Ellis as Ernie / Bar Patron, from Alys Raine and Tracey Leeds as Hookers, from Hannah Donovan a Bar Patron, from Chelsea Edwards a Waitress, from Sophie Taylor a Cop and from Dylan Cicéron, Ensemble. The settings were simple, enhanced by back projections, appropriate props, surreptitiously moved off and on by cast members, and excellent lighting. The costumes were stunning none more so than in the final number when the nun’s wore purple robes and ‘glitter bibs’ and not to be outdone all the men were bedecked in sumptuous blue robes. The final number, ‘Raise Your Voice’, was just fantastic, both the singing and the choreography were exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this fun-filled show, which had its serious moments, and the enthusiasm and vitality that exuded from all of the cast was superb. Many, many congratulations to Creative Director Joshua Mason, to Musical Director Melanie Gilbert, to Choreographer Emily Skill, to the amazing cast and to everyone else involved in this very entertaining and ‘fabulous’ show. In conclusion may I sincerely thank Joshua for his hospitality and for making myself and my guest so welcome. That night I most certainly was, in ‘The Perfect Place’! 

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