Sister Act

On a warm and clammy night in Herne Bay a hot show was going on and I was watching Sister Act. Sister Act is amusical based on the film of the same name with music by Alan Menken, so good musical stock and Herne Bay you did it proud. Alan would be pleased. While the music of the original 1992 movie Sister Act was hugely popular songs of the moment, the stage musical boasts its own original score. That’s a pity because it has no memorable songs to sing as you go home. Except Fabulous Baby.

Taking the lead role of Deloris van Cartier was Grace Newton. Grace, you were Fabulous Baby, this girl can certainly sing ,act and move - need I say more? Cheryl Marksford as Mother Superior was equally reverend in her control of a tricky situation going on in the Abby, a strong performance from Cheryl. I especially liked ‘I Havant got a prayer’. Stuart Clements as Monsignor O’Hara brought his perfect stagecraft to this role. There were thirteen sisters, what a lively bunch they were, all having their own characters - too many to mention individually, but nice cameos from sister Mary Robert (Susan Beer), Sister Mary Patrick (Mariah Young) and Sister Mary Lazarus (Teresa Rowlstone). Each and every nun had some presence and looked nunnish (is that a word? It is now.) But did I spy some makeup and lashes you naughty nuns.

Eddie Souther (Murray Wilkinson) Dolores’s love interest: his love showed in both song and characterisation.  Gangsters lead by Curtis Jackson (Brendan Roberts) joined by TJ (Callum Howell), Joey (Paul Standbridge) and Pablo (Luke Humphries-Paige), all giving us some good moments of comedy.

The set was expertly designed by Courtney Jones, Cheryl Marksford and Tim Short. I liked the swiftness of set changes by cast and crew; this was due to expert Stage Management of Rich Adams. Musical Director Jacqueline Francis and her band of four Vikki Hall, Adrian Brown, Darren Reynolds and Chris Hall, were great and just right for the Kings Hall - perfect level of volume. Direction and Choreography by Courtney Jones I felt was good all round, choreography was slick, but direction could have been more fluid for the actors, but that’s just me and my opinion. Put both together Courtney and we have a good solid show for your audience and that’s what matters. I am always greeted fondly at Theatrecraft and this year’s programme was very informative. Thank you Theatrecraft - my assistant Mary and I enjoyed your Sister Act.

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