Sister Act

“Fabulous Baby!” neatly sums up tonight’s performance.

Although very much a female ensemble driven musical, no production of Sister Act can succeed without a host of experienced and confident principals.

Tonight CAMS provided just that.  From a strong soul-singing Deloris Van Cartier (Laura Spence) who demonstrated attitude in quantity when dealing with Curtis, and never ending love for her fellow Sisters in the Convent. Laura was equally matched by her Mother Superior (Helen Knowles-Venters), both in vocal and acting ability.  Helen not only brought out the frustration the Mother Superior felt being forced to take a nightclub singer into her Convent, but also the love and caring that she developed for Deloris, alongside all her other Sisters. Deloris’ fellow Sisters are written for a variety of (less than subtle!) characters. Let us start with Sister Mary Lazarus (Jude Vandecasteele) whose gravelly voice encouraged me to say she was one of the best Sister ML’s that I have had the pleasure of seeing. Her rapping and unexpected pelvic thrusts in “Take Me To Heaven”, bringing much appreciated gasps and applause from the full house. Young Sister Mary Robert (Rebecca Goldie) brought an innocence to her part and a great deal of vocal purity in all her numbers. "The Life I Never Led" was one of the highlights of the show.  Sisters Mary Patrick (Mairi Hutton), Mary Martin-of-Tours (Caitlin McKennon) and Mary Theresa (Fay Caird) all demonstrated the excellent ability to formulate and maintain their diverse characters throughout.

With a yearning for Deloris, (sweaty) Eddie (Neil Jarrett) gave a first class performance throughout, while the baddie in the show, Curtis, was played by Andrew Doig – need I say more. Andrew’s years of experience shone through as he dealt with his trio of henchmen TJ (Grant Duffus), Joey (Logan Booth) and Pablo (Oliver Spink) who played their parts with expertise, while failing at every step of the story! Last but definitely not least in the main principals Monsignor O’Hara (Mike McDonald) with his Irish lilt, attempted to keep the Mother Superior happy, whilst also meeting the needs of his Diocese.

The CAMS chorus together with minor principals Michelle (Isla Peat), Tina (Rachel McNicol) and Ernie (Gary Smith) were on excellent form and thanks here must surely go to MD Blair Wilkie whose rehearsal tutoring has obviously paid off. That, together with his first class handling of his twelve piece band was a treat to listen to. Director, Iain Hughes, deserves special praise for bringing a freshness to the show, whilst choreographer, Ryan Bryant, worked wonders with all the dance numbers on the relative confines of the Corn Exchange stage.

A cameo entrance by His Holiness JP(VI) in the final scene, was made as he drove in from the back of the auditorium on his Popemobile!

Technically, all aspects were of a similarly high standard. The video walls with very appropriate graphics, allowed for minimal items of furniture needed to enhance the set – thus minimizing down-time between the many scenes.

Lighting and sound, too, left nothing more to be desired – I saw everyone and heard everyone!

Many thanks for the invite CAMS, and, congratulations on a fine evenings entertainment.

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