Sister Act

Woodhouse Musical Theatre Company presented "Sister Act: The Musical". A lively and entertaining production based on the popular film of the same name with lyrics by Glenn Slater and music Alan Menkin. Set in the 1970s, the story follows the adventures of Deloris Van Cartier, a sassy nightclub singer who witnesses a crime and is placed in protective custody in a struggling convent. The musical numbers are upbeat and memorable, with a blend of gospel, disco, and soul music, however no matter how good the music is, there needs to be a quality company to do it justice and Woodhouse were more than up to the task.  

Deloris Van Cartier, the protagonist of the story, was played by Angela Gerald, a spirited and charismatic actress. Deloris is a strong-willed woman with a heart of gold, whose time at the convent transforms not only her life but the lives of those around her, and Angela took the audience with her every step of the way. I must applaud the company for not trying to “do a Whoopie” with Deloris. This allowed Angela to make the part her own.  

Mother Superior, the strict and traditional head of the convent, was played brilliantly by Becky Sutcliffe. As she initially clashes with Deloris but eventually comes to see the value in her unorthodox methods, the Mother Superior role demands a commanding presence and a strong singing voice and Becky had this in abundance. 

Sister Mary Robert the timid and shy nun who finds her voice and confidence through Deloris's influence was superbly portrayed by Keeley Denton. Sister Mary Robert undergoes a significant journey of self-discovery and empowerment throughout the show and Keeley’s delivery of “Life I Never Led” was a triumph.  

“Sweaty” Eddie Souther is a part close to my heart as I played this role a few years ago and it was easy to see why Gareth Cole was cast in the part. The bumbling cop with a hidden inner strength was delicately played and had just the right level of vulnerability. 

Richard Sykes was Curtis Shank, the villain of the story. A mobster who is determined to silence Deloris before she can testify against him. Curtis is a menacing character who provides the necessary conflict and suspense in the plot and Richard looked like he was having a ball delivering it. 

Sister Mary Patrick and Sister Mary Lazarus are two comedic nuns who provide comic relief throughout the show. Sister Mary Patrick is cheerful and upbeat, while Sister Mary Lazarus is witty and sarcastic. Louisa LeFevre, Sister Mary Patrick was full of energy and had a smile that you couldn’t help but smile back at. Helen Woodhead, Sister Mary Lazarus, was hilarious as the cranky nun who’s seen it all before. They both brought a different dynamic which is what this show needs to fully work. 

T.J. - Sam Roberts, Joey – Drew Western and Pablo – Matthew Armitage are the main henchmen in Curtis’s gang. They are like the musical equivalent of the 3 Stooges. In a highlight number “Lady in the Long Black Dress” all three had the audience cheering a swooning as they brought their best moves in the pursuit of love. Sensational. 

Supporting cast members included Cath Palmer as the quite brilliant Sister Mary of Tours, Nicci Cooney as Sister Mary Theresa, Lilly England Sister Mary hope/Michelle, Izzy Andrew as Sister Mary Ellen/Tina, Colin Roberts as the hilarious Monsignor O’Hara and Christopher Greenwood as Ernie.  

All the main cast were bolstered by a magnificent company who I must name. They were, Christopher Greenwood, Antonia Frampton, Ellie LeFevre, Emily Griffiths, Erin Berry, Fearne Robinson, Fizz Palmer, Gemma Bourke, Gray Preston, Jane Howe, Jessica Faye, Niove Armitage, Paige Alexandra, Rachel McManus, Sarah Thompson, Sydney Scully, Toni Taylor, Andy Bell, Alan Warmby, Kieran Palmer, Tom Hay, William Broadbent and Ian Broadbent.....Phew!!! It was amazing to see members of the company who I have seen in leading roles and this just adds further strength to the already strong cast. 

Choreography was compiled by Lauren Thompson. There were some quite spectacular routines within Sister Act which covered a multitude of genres. One stand out number was “Bless our Show” which included some stunning light work from the cast on stage.  

MD for the production was in the very capable hands of Keira Watson. At her control was an outstanding pit band and the singers worked in complete harmony with them. A first rate MD and I was very impressed how she managed to catch Pablo’s hanky whilst conducting. 

Neil Broadbent was the Director and Producer. It was clear that Neil has put in the hard yards over the years to be at ease with taking on such an iconic and popular show. Very well directed and apart from a couple of lengthy blackouts, the show zipped along at a fair pace. You could see there were close working ties with the Stage Manager, Jon Hunt and his team. 

Sound and Lighting, James Clare and Jon Hudson, were never going to be anything other than faultless at Lawrence Batley and they were totally on point. 

Huge congratulations must go to the costume team and hair and make up. Everything looked like a professional production and this is down to a solid team in every role behind the cast on stage. 

Overall, "Sister Act - The Musical" was a joyous and uplifting production with catchy musical numbers, dazzling choreography, and a heartwarming message about the power of friendship, redemption, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Whether you're a fan of the original film or a newcomer to the story, this musical delighted it’s audiences and was so deserving of the repeated standing ovations it received. 

My sincerest thanks to Clare and the front of house team that made my wife and I feel so welcomed and I look forward to seeing you all again in the future.  

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