Sister Act

I have seen this show a few times now and I am always excited as every production has been different. It does give the Director a lot of scope and Allister Fudge-Smith grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He found comedy everywhere, making this the most light hearted and uplifting version of the show I have seen so far.

Ayesha Shergill played Doloris Van Cartier with passion, expression, and a great characterisation. It is a big part, and she gave a great performance. Jamie Fudge-Smith played Officer Eddie Souther (Sweaty Eddie to us) beautifully and I loved I Could Be That Guy, it’s one of the great moments in the show and was perfectly executed.

Jane Horgan’s performance as the Mother Superior was terrific, the beauty of this theatre is that the audience are close enough to see all the expressions and Jane had plenty of those, very entertaining. When she needed to be serious, she switched seamlessly and both her songs, Here Within These Walls and I Haven’t got a Prayer were performed with great style and characterisation.

The three featured nuns, Sophie Mullender (Sister Mary Patrick) Ella Markey (Sister Mary Robert) and Lisa Harris (Sister Mary Lazarus) had created their own characters and they performed them to perfection. A particular mention for Ella Markey, what a voice, so much strength in one young lady.

Ben Martins was suitable menacing as Curtis Jackson, Ben is always good value as a performer, and this was no exception. His three sidekicks, Martin Harris (Joey) Aiden Adams (TJ) and Ian Southgate (Pablo) all showed their great talent in the characters that they created. A perfect comedy trio in that they appeared serious but were extremely funny. Completing the Principal lineup was Mick Kiel (Monsignor O’Hara) a great accent and another great performance.

I must also make a special mention of the ‘Heavenly Altar Servers’. This was an inspired decision by Director Allister and the way that they choreographed the movements of the various pieces of scenery was a real treat to watch. They and the cast who also moved scenery kept the pace of the show to a high level. The scenery itself was cleverly designed to make the most of the limited space in this theatre, I particularly liked the use of the three screens and they way that two of them converted into tables. It had to be seen to be appreciated.

The members of the ensemble were exceptional, every single one had created their own character which they performed consistently. There were some lovely harmonies, credit to MD Ben Summers for getting them all to such a high standard.

Costumes were excellent, with some great attention to detail. All produced in house, I believe, so well done to the wardrobe team.

Lighting and sound were spot on, this stage is not easy to light, but the lighting was switched on cue when needed so no-one was left in the dark, and that’s no mean feat!

Overall, a great, uplifting, show which the cast clearly enjoyed performing. I would have loved to have been at some of the rehearsals, I bet they were a blast!

My thanks for the hospitality, excellent as always, it is such a pleasure to come to the theatre when the show and the support are so welcoming.

Tessa Davies on behalf of Natalie Hills

District 10

NODA East

 

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