Sister Act

Walmsley Church AODS take on the stage musical Sister Act based on the film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. Sister Act explores sisterhood in more ways than one and a coming together through music. It’s a very empowering show for women. When it opened in California in 2006 it broke box office records. Whilst some do critique the plot, it cannot be denied that this is a feelgood musical and it has proven itself around the world. Music by Alan Menkin, Lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner.

The composite set walking into the auditorium had a cloth drawn a quarter way back on the stage with the three microphones in front Centre Stage. Stage Left was the police station with a period telephone. Two chairs and a window with wanted posters stuck on. Stage Right was a wooden confessional type box with arch and seats sectioned into two. Projected onto the curtain was ‘Philadelphia Night Club’. Off centre to the right was a table with chairs and a large gift box on top. The main stage when the curtain went back was arch scenery going all the way to the back to look like a stained-glass windows which was very effective. Various items of scenery were then brought on to set the scene: bed, jukebox, benches, tables and piano. Projection was then used to highlight the scenes. Stage Manager John West, Crew - Anne Cocking, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Linda West, Janet Witt and Nora Howcroft. Props all helped bring the show to life. Properties by Anne Cocking, John Cocking, David Witt and Janet Witt. Sound was unobtrusive as it should be and the backing tracks all added to the feel and flow. Sound Lea Royse & Elodie Perrier. Lighting by Nathan Emmison.  Wardrobe was by Lara Syddall and Nora Howcroft. Lara Syddall was also the choreographer and must have had great fun with the cast especially the Ensemble numbers.

Musical Director Cath Hilton did a great job and the audience loved it, I was certainly foot tapping. Nora Howcroft directs, saying it’s one of the most joyous musical scores and I agree.

With the thirty-strong cast I must say the Ensemble worked really hard and there were some fabulous numbers performed with great harmonies and all having a character as their respective nun.

The bad boys or should I say men were Alan Moss playing Joey, Andrew Turton playing Pablo, David Perks playing Knuckles and the inexperienced gangster who is only there because he is the boss’ nephew was T.J Played by Matthew Shallicker. Their incompetence knew no bounds much to the annoyance of Curtis. I have to say Lady In The Long Black Dress was hilarious with them all coming forward and singing about how they would woo. Alan on the floor so funny.  Curtis was played menacingly by Joshua Clayton-Heal and was thwarted at every turn.

Sister Mary Lazarus played by Jo Whitaker had great energy and loved the rapping. David Wilson takes on Monsignor O’Hara complete with Irish accent and he certainly brought out the fun, comedy and cheekiness, thwarting Mother Superior played by Vicki Wilson - very proper and at her wits end with Deloris and the disruption she brought. Vicki brought some very superior looks which added to the comedy and delivered some great one-liners. Here Within These Walls and I Haven’t Got A Prayer were interpreted so well (I will just say shaving – inspired – Vicki working that really smoothly!).

Sister Mary Robert was played by Catherine Hall. Great character and journey coming out of her shyness and blossoming. The Life I Never Led said it all and great voice. Lindsay Farnworth as Sister Mary Patrick was a delight with so much energy - I was exhausted watching her - just right! Oliver Hall playing Eddie - we watched his love grow for Deloris, suitably a-stumbling and a-bumbling – great work! I Could Be That Guy with not one but two costume reveals on stage. Oliver did a great job and gorgeous voice too. He was that guy.

Last but not least was the protagonist Deloris Van Cartier with Olivia O’Connell taking on the lead role of the mouthy lounge singer who has to hide in protection in a convent - it’s not certain who is most shocked - Mother Superior or her. Deloris finds herself in the most unlikely place and Olivia really took the role to town. Her energy and voice - in fact I will call her The Voice shone through - fabulous baby!

Walmsley Church cast and committee must be delighted with this show and the feelgood factor it brought. Thank you from my guest Ursula and I for the invite and hospitality.

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

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