"Sister Act"

When I first saw this show 9 years ago, my subsequent report queried whether it would prove to have as long a life as have some of our old favourites.  For example, for the second time in a few years the Barbican in London is about to turn to the works of Cole Porter for its summer production and “Guys and Dolls” is in its second year near London Bridge.  Closer to home, a production of “My Fair Lady” will soon become a treat in Leeds.  But, with a current London production, another on tour and these occasional amateur productions, this show seems to be more than holding its own in the musical theatre repertoire.

It’s easy to see why. This is a fun show with a fairly simple and easy-to-follow plot, good songs and a happy ending. There’s even a papal blessing.  A night club singer (Deloris) witnesses boyfriend commit a crime, hides in a convent whose choir might be described as “requires improvement”, uses her musical skills to assist, gangster boyfriend is caught and all is well.     

The cast here made a splendid job of it and gave us a thoroughly entertaining performance. Grace Knill told us last year how she only rarely ventured on stage and even now is in only her third role with the group.  None of this was apparent from the way in which she tackled the leading role of Deloris with such confidence; all the energy and humour you would expect in such a character was readily apparent from the start.  As the Mother Superior, Rowenna Naylor gave an excellent performance, suitably shocked and horrified at the latest recruit to her convent, feisty enough to ensure that standards would still be maintained, getting the most out of the comedy in some of her lines and yet with a certain empathy towards the newcomer in the end. Even on the opening night the excellent rapport between the two of them was clear.  Laura Buxey had appeared as Sister Mary Patrick in that production I saw 9 years ago and so the part was in safe hands; it’s an important role injecting much of the comedy in the production as she becomes an instant fan of the newcomer and she clearly enjoyed taking on this bubbly personality again.    I also enjoyed seeing newcomer Kelly Robbins in the part of the postulant Sister Mary Robert and she delivered her song “The life I never led” with confidence and meaning; hers is an excellent singing voice.  Shirin Fenn, another newcomer to the group, made the most of her role as Sister Mary Lazarus, the somewhat grumpy and disheartened leader of the choir, albeit not without good reason.

As for the men: Chris Wall made a very credible villain as the gangster Curtis, whilst Luke Bailey, Will Thirlaway and Elliot Hutchinson provided much amusement as his assistants T.J.,Joey and Pablo.  “Sweaty” Eddie, a fan of Deloris from schooldays, is now a police officer perhaps lacking a little belief in himself, no doubt because of his nickname, and it is his idea that she should seek refuge in the convent.   In the end, it is he who disarms Curtis and arrests the gang with the consequent boost to his confidence.  Richard Hawley brought all his considerable stage experience to the part, particularly with his song “I could be that guy”. Ryan Stocks made a convincing Monsignor O’Hara and we must not forget Pope Albert Day’s blessing from a box stage right, a particularly appropriate use of the Company’s President.

The whole production was excellently directed by Mark Edwards who is also running a workshop on puppetry at our forthcoming NODA weekend at Bridlington before hastening back to see the final performances of this show. At the time of writing I have still to see the workshop but, if his success at extracting energy and enthusiasm from this group is any guide, I am sure he will give his puppets a life of their own. I shall watch out for them with interest – and for this group’s next production too.      

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