Sister Act

Sister Act is a musical based on the 1992 film of the same name. Deloris Van Cartier sees her gangster boyfriend commit a murder and is placed in a witness protection programme – in a convent disguised as a nun. Here she breathes new life into the convent choir and forms a true sisterhood with the other nuns.

Tonight, Lucy Cormack led the show with a superb portrayal  of Deloris; filled with confidence and comedic energy she commanded the stage while still interacting well with her fellow nuns. They too were of admirable standard, each displaying her individual character to the full. Sr Mary Robert (Gemma Gray), Sr Mary Patrick (Daisy McDonald), Sr Mary Lazerus (Maggie Duffus), Sr Mary Martin of Tours (Hollie Wegner-Jaszkin) and Sr Mary Theresa (Elaine Moret) must each be commended for fine performances and bringing out the humour integral to their particular part. Serious congratulations must also go to Audrey Jones as Mother Superior. She was always going to be in charge, delivering her dry one liners with total confidence, yet delivering “Here Within These Walls” with just the right amount of sincerity – her true feelings for the Convent coming to the fore.

And so to the men: Kevin Keir gave the part of Monsignor O’Hara the characterful and comedic values which the role richly deserves but is so often let slip as “just another minor principal”.

The baddies: here, led by Mark Grieve (Curtis) had the authority required of the part, while Adam Campbell, Kerr Hadden and Dylan Halliday as Joey, TJ and Pablo respectively, all worked well together, offering frequent hilarious characterisations – not least of all in “When I Find My Baby”.  David Wilson (Eddie) skilfully transformed from the shy, unconfident officer to one who arrested the criminals in the end. Indeed his transformation number “I Could Be That Guy” saw him neatly change costume from shy officer to Elvis and back again, simultaneously showing no mean singing ability.

Minor principals and chorus all added in no small way to the overall presentation, and, together with all the principals were a credit to Malcolm J Burnett’s well devised artistic direction and  Suzanne Stewart’s carefully controlled musical direction.  Must mention that the band never seemed to be overpowering the singers – well done! Thanks in turn to good sound operation for the show.

Darren Johnson’s excellent choreography was yet another highlight of tonight’s Sister Act.  It is all very well having good dancers in the Company, but they have to be choreographed sympathetically, and tonight both of these were achieved!

Good, flexible set design  combined with appropriate lighting design made for a great evening’s entertainment.

Many thanks for inviting us to your show and for the hospitality shown in the theatre.

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