Sister Act

When ever I have been invited to a Birmingham Youth Theatre production, I always know they are going to entertain the audience with their high-performance standards. Sister Act was no exception with the cast receiving a well-earned standing ovation when I attended on the Sunday Matinee.

Every single person on stage bought such energy to each of Kennedy’s dance routines, it was clear to see that everyone had been expertly put through their paces during rehearsals.

Director Vivienne had well cast each role; the individual characterisations were easily identified throughout. The experienced band were once again under the expert direction of Chris and at no point did, they overpower the cast.

The stage was filled with impressive scenery, at one point there appeared to be a minor issue whilst moving the immense Abbey flats into the correct position, however this was handled well by stage crew and more so the cast on stage who carried on regardless, well done.

Colourful period costumes complimented the characters throughout and really added the finishing details to the director’s vision.

For those that don’t know the musical the majority of scenes are set in an Abbey where the Nuns are unknowingly hiding a witness to a crime, obviously the female cast members outnumbered the males so I would like to start by mentioning some key male characters.

Suave night club boss Curtis was played with authority by David Morrison, I have had the pleasure of seeing this young man develop and gain confidence over the past few years and I think this was his best role to date.

Accompanied by harmless gang members TJ, Joey and Pablo played by Luke Holcroft, Charlie McRobert and Andrew Morrison respectively they set about carrying out Curtis’s every request. One of the memorable moments of the whole show for me was when the lads sang the fantastic “When I Find My Baby” in act two.

Policeman (Sweaty) Eddie who we discover has somewhat of an unrequited love was played well by Harrison Doherty, I really enjoyed “I Could Be That Guy”. Eddie endeavoured to hide the night club singer Deloris Van Cartier in the Abbey as she had witnessed Curtis killing a snitch. This iconic role was played by Zeena Abdulla who has great stage presence and a lovely tone when singing.

Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Patrick and Sister Mary Lazarus were played with such differing characterisations by Daisy Wright, Lily-Mae Nicholls and Kitty Smart respectively, this made identifying these three from the other similarly dressed nuns very easy for the audience.

Special mention from me however should go to the outstanding performance throughout from Maddison Clarke as Mother Superior.

Everyone named above were very well supported by a large ensemble who were all playing dual/treble roles -night club staff, dancers, Police men, cab drivers and waitresses were amongst the many occupations to numerous to list, without exception everyone played their part well.

Other highlights of the show for me were “ Take Me to Heaven” and  “The Life I Never Led”

Congratulations to the production team, cast and all concerned behind the scenes on a production that was FABULOUS, Baby!

Thank you for the invitation and your hospitality, looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty.

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