Sister Act

It was lovely to be back in the Taliesin for my second visit in a few months. This time the production
was Sister Act by S.A.O.S. The Musical is based on the motion picture written by Joseph Howard,
with Lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Alan Menken.

It follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier who having witnessed a murder is placed into protective
custody. The police place her in a convent disguised as a nun. She immediately finds herself at odds
with the Mother Superior, however her musical talent breathes new life into the convent and its
choir. She does however blow her cover and the gang are soon giving chase.

The role of Deloris has famously been played by African American actresses but this is not a must, in
this production it was played by Rhian Hiley who gave a very polished and impressive performance
in this iconic role. Rhian had a great voice and characterisation and is to be congratulated on her
performance.

The role of the Mother Superior was taken by Leah Collett and what a job she made of it. Her stage
presence and experience was evident to all in attendance, I really enjoyed her rendition of Here
Within These Walls. Well Done.

As anyone who knows this show the support received by these characters by the named sisters is
essential, this was well provided in this production by Hayley Jones, Sally David, Clare o’Leary and
Karen Webb. The roll of Sister Mary Robert, the Novice Nun was played by Jaimee Fraser-Ivett, it
was nicely acted especially the change from a quiet obedient nun into the rebel, supporting Deloris. I
really liked her rendition of The Life I never Led.

In such a female led show the male characters are often forgotten but are equally essential to the
performance, Dale Gravell played the evil Curtis Shank with aplomb, he was the man you wanted to
dislike and revelled in the role. Gareth Iwan Morgan took on the role of Eddie Souther, the friendly
cop who was in love with Deloris, his rendition of I could be that Guy was well received by all
present.

The three crooks , T.J, Joey and Pablo were played by Connor Edwards, Ewan Forrest and Sam
Freeman and added a lot of the comedy to the production. Lady in the Long Black Dress was very
funnily played.

All these characters were very well supported by Keith Ivett ( Monsignor o’Hara) , Lizzy Hopkins
( Tina) , Rachel Gauntlett ( Michelle ) and Wayne Gay ( Eddie) also a very strong ensemble of nuns
and altar boys. We even had tap dancing Nuns.

The orchestra were in the capable hands of Matt Hampson and as is expected with Matt were very
well controlled and never overpowered the singers.

I really liked the simple set that the Director went for and all the scenes worked really well.

Congratulations to Swansea Amateur Operatic Society on a lovely production and I look forward to
your next production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

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