Sister Act

What a venue to have as your theatre for this particular show – Peterborough Cathedral. Congratulations to the Committee for having the inspiration to stage this Musical in this magnificent building, for all the extra work and costs involved into turning this ancient building into a first-rate performance space. Also, to the Dean and Chapter to allow the Cathedral to be used in this way.

I would like to start by congratulating Rob on the Set design, how do you go about having a stage with no back cloth apart from in the distance beyond the choir stalls a magnificent stained-glass window. This was overcome by building a raised platform with some exceptionally designed and built moving sets that were moved effortlessly on and off stage by both cast and crew. I particularly admired the large bar/nightclub set piece; all sets appeared remarkably well dressed. It’s the first time I’ve seen a ‘wheelie bin’ used to dispose of a body, and the chase scene with the tricycle/rickshaw was so clever. I also liked the way that the cast used the length of the Choir to enter the set, to hear the cast members as they came down that was really great and allowed the show to flow seamlessly.  Due to an extensive lighting rig, there were very subtle lighting changes throughout the show which illuminated the stage, being a matinee on a sunny day I didn’t have the full effect, but have been assured that the lighting for evening performances had a much better effect.

This was a well-cast show with a large Company of Nuns bringing sound and movement alive, I love the scene where the Nuns show Deloris that their singing is tuneless, this was great, as to sing out of tune, time etc. is not easy when you are a good singer, very well done as Deloris teaches the choir to sing. These actors not only gave fine voice to their singing in their musical numbers but choregraphy and acting was great too. Some great numbers ‘Raise your voice’, ‘Take me to Heaven’ and of course ‘Sister Act’.

For the principals there were great comedic turns from Mark Thomas as TJ, Will Swales as Joey and Glen Whitmore as Pablo. These three ably supported Mark Harriss as Curtis who gave a great rendition of ‘When I find my Baby’ and the reprise and obviously enjoyed playing the villain. These four were out shone by Philip Booty as Eddie who not only sang well, acted his heart out and could move, a great performance of ‘I could be that Guy’ I loved the transformation scene, what a clever idea with the boxes, this quick change worked very well, twice!

With the main sisters, it’s difficult to distinguish between them, Georgina Kane, Heather Knapp, Karen Ward, (Marjorie Lumb and Pauline Iredale sharing a role) as respectively the Sister Mary’s. These all played their roles well and sang a great ‘How I got My Calling’, but of course the star sister was Beci Piggott as Sister Mary Robert with a beautifully sung ‘The life I never led’. With these sisters there are some great comedic interactions with Deloris well-rehearsed and acted.

The show also revolves around the action of Deloris Van Cartier greatly performed by Luci Collins and Mother Superior so well played by Amanda Villamayor. These two had wonderful interactions with each other as well as the rest of the cast. Deloris also had a believable relationship with Eddie, the bedroom scene was very believably performed. The two female leads had great songs ‘Take me to Heaven’, ‘Fabulous Baby’, ‘Here within these walls’ well sung.

Dialogue throughout the show was good and clear, whether on stage or hurrying down the aisle, acting could not be faulted. Excellent sound from both singing and the band under the direction of Steve Hession and due to Pippa Kingston, some excellent choreography well drilled and performed. The wardrobe overseen by Lucille Villamayor was faultless. Hannah must be congratulated on an imaginative and entertaining, well directed show. Congratulations to the whole company.

 

 

 

 

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